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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Chap£.S.5:.l Copyright No : 

Slielt.SLl5.... 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



ERRATA. 

Page 33, sixth line from bottom, should be its brinv breast, not her briny breast. 

Pa.ffe 46, third line from boltoiu. should be slaughter, not slaughter. 

Page 68; under the cut should be Dr. Eiliv Janson , not Eliiv. 

Page S6, thirteenth line from top, should be the 31st of May, iSSg, not 1894. 

Page 93. tenth line from top. should be e.famen. not exaniin. 

Page 115, third line from top (in some of the copies), should be successful, not sucsessful. 

Page 196, under the cvit (in a few copies) should be Fatrhaven, not Fairhavan. 

Page iqg twelfth line (in a few copies) should be reconnoitcred, not reconnitered. 

Page 20S. second line from bottom, should h^ legislature, not legislation. 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC, 
PUGET SOUND. 



BY 



THOS. OSTENSON STINE, B. S. 

p. O. Box 599. Seattle, Wasli. 



AN EVENING ON PUGET SOUND. 

A vocal stretch of sapphire glow, 
A sunset radiance of melted gold, 
Where silvery ripples softly laugh. 
Making music the whole night through. 

In a livery of green thy banks proudly stand, 
The weeping pine and mocking hemlock 
Lay shadows on thy starry breast. 
Where loving breezes play. 

High in the clouds rear the snow-capped sentinels. 

Listening to thy melancholy chimes, 

At their feet smile the lilies, 

And through the deep blue sail the sea-gulls. 

Copyright, 1900. 

L . 



L Ibrtry of COBKr»l% 
Offlec of tb« 

MAY1219U0 

Reglitar of Capyrlfbtft 






61513 



W 141900 5 




'-m m 



\ 




Amikkw Ciiii.nKKi;. 



TO 

ANDREW CHILBERG, 

Consul (or Sweden and Norway and President of the Scandinavian-American 

Bank of Seattle, 

As a Token of Respect for Your Friendship and Your Integrity of Character, 

1 Dedicate this Volume. 

Thos. O. Stine. 




Dk. i\AK JaNSoN. 

An Eminent Surgeon of Seattle. 



PREFACE. 



On solicitation of prominent Scandinavian-Americans, a 
year ago, I undertook to write a volume or two, entitled, 
"Scandinavians on the Pacific." At the launching of this 
idea an untold number rallied around me with sweet ton- 
gues, but many who pretended to furnish historical data 
fabricated delusive smiles of impertinent selfishness. Others, 
however, have been frank in ushering kind assistance. The 
author is indebted to the following gentlemen for willing 
advice and information: John Blaauw, Editor of Tacoma 
Tidende, Tacoma; George Bech, Author of "Haeng Ham," 
etc., Seattle; Rev. T.J. Moen, Fairhaven, and N. P. Leque, 
Stanwood. 

T. O. S. 



loKi^ 





o 




CONTENTS. 
Introduction. 

ClIArTER I. 

The Pacific Coast. 

Ch.vptick II. 
The First .Scandinavian Pioneers. 

Chaptkr III. 
Scandinavians in Seattle — Pioneers and Prominent Citizens. 

Chaptkr IV. 
Scandinavians in Seattle — Societies — Press — Prominent Citizens- 
Churches. 

Chapter V. 
Scandinavians in Ballard. 

Chapter VI. 
Scandinavians in Tacoma. 

Chapter VII. 
Scandinavians in Tacoma — Societies — Press — Prominent Citizen.s- 
Churches. 

Chapter VIII. 
Scandinavians in Everett. 

Chapter IX. 
Scandinavians at Stanwood. 

Chapter X. 
Scandinavians in Stillaguamish Valley. 

Chapter XI. 
Scandinavians at Cedarhorae. 

Chapter XII. 
Scandinavians in Skagit Valley. 

Chapter XIII. 
Scandinavians in Bellingham Bay. 

Chapter XIV. 
vScattered Scandinavian Communities— Poulsbo and Other Places. 




- ) ■ -J', '■■'•■ ' U 




Ir >rf:#l 



■TTTTI 



.V- --.> - > 



' 'S 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAGE 

Anderson, C. G. W 76 

Anderson, J. F 184 

Anderson, Graebert 94 

Anderson, Oscar 78 

A Group of Representative Ladies. . 

Arntson, J. M 120 

A Scene of Pioneer Life 39 

A Rustic Bridge 106 

Another Scene of the Wenatchee. . . 29 

A Puget Sound Cedar 23 

A Miner at His Cabin 32 

A Musician on Skagit River 194 

A Scene in the Washington Woods. 31 

A Scene in the Harbor of Seattle .. . 51 

A Scene in the North Pacific 

An Island near Whatcom 25 

Bank, Scandinavian-American 53 

Bennie, jr., D. G 153 

Bech , George 92 

Blaauvv, John 129 

Bull, Prof. Olof no 

ChiDjerg, Andrew, Frontispiece 

Christensen, Lars and Wife 204 

Crogstad, Andrew N 186 

Crogstad, Mrs. Wilhelmina A 187 

Coltora, M. 155 

Church, N. D Baptist 99 

Church, N. D. Lutheran 95 

Cliurch, Swedish M. E 96 

Church, Swedish Baptist 98 

Church, Stanwood, N. D. L. . 144 

Eggan, James 90 

Eug<juist, Frank 104 

Enger, T. T 135 

Elvruui, L. P. and Wife 137 

Everett in Its Infancy. 139 

Fishing in Bellingham Bay 198 

Foss, Louis 191 

Hanson, L G. and Wife 180 

Hansen, Hans 84 

Hals, John I 164 

Hals' Shingle Mill 163 

Hevly, E. A 161 

Hallberg, P. A 80 

Janson, Dr. Eiliv 68 

Janson, Dr. Ivar, F'rontispiece 

Johnson , Iver 159 

Johnson, Rev. John 97 



P.\GE 

Johnson, John 102 

Knudson, Kuud 149 

Knatvold, IL E 112 

Langland, >S. S 72 

Leque, N. P 141 

Lindberg, Gustaf. 122 

Lundberg, A 74 

Mining Scenes 34 

Moldstad, N. J 193 

Mt. Baker 196 

Mt. Rainier 108 

Mt. Index 21 

Morling House 182 

Nelson, N. B 63 

Nicklason, G 175 

Nogleberg, John 82 

Nogleberg's Studio 81 

Orphan's Home 207 

Pacific Lutheran University 132 

Prestlien Bluff 166 

Pioneers Among Wild Beasts 169 

Quevli, Dr. C 114 

Ranch, Jorgen Eliason's 202 

Residence of Olaf Rydjord 151 

Residence of N. M. Lien 150 

Rosling, Eric Edw 118 

Rynning, Dr. J. L ., Ii6 

Rude, H. P. and P'amily. 59 

Rialto Block 64 

Stanwood L. M. Sangkor 145 

Stanwood Creamery 152 

Samson , S 1 24 

Sandahl, C.N 70 

Sandegren, T 131 

Steamer Advance 206 

Soelberg, Axel H 66 

Skagit River 18 

Snoqualmie Fall 27 

The Cedarhome School 172 

The Norman School. 165 

Thompson, S. A 147 

The Baltic Lodge 85 

The 17th of May Committee 88 

The Chilberg Family 48 

The Wild Wenatchee 28 

The University of Washington 36 

Walters, Carl O 178 

Wonderful Scene on the G. N 




A GUOUr OF RlCPRliSKNTATIVl! I.AIlIKS. 



INTRODUCTION, 



\'iking brave ou land or sea, 
Dauntless hero of liberty, 
While ages hang on bearded clay, 
Among the great thy name shall sway. 

Chroniclers shall paint thee in shades resplendent, 
Th}' fame as the pine shall sway independent. 
Nations shall rise from lethargj' old 
To tune the feats of the Norsemen bold. 

Suns of the South reflect th}' rays, 
They breathe thy prowess on wild-flying sprays. 
But their light shall wane with ages to come, 
The stars of the future shall pale proud Rome. 

The foam-crest brine thy daring spells, 
Thy wings have climbed impetuous swells, 
In tempests wild o'er main afar, 
Thy only guide the burning star. 

Iceland and Greenland hast thou found. 
With valor to th\' honor crowned, 
The Faroes in the salty deep, 
And others that in the ocean sleep. 



14 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

Thy scepter has on Sicih' swayed, 
Thy brawny arms with Albion played, 
And Normand}' to thy venture shines. 
With royal courts and eglantines. 

Beyond the sea maid's unkempt hair, 

Lay forests rich and jewels rare, 

Undreamt b}' kings of fame and power, 

"For the shore," shoiits Leif, "spite storm and shower." 

I iiilaitd for the Norseman brave, 
The honor he to his country gave, 
Born with thee, an unknown strand, 
America, sweet freedom's land. 

From "A;/ Ode to the Land of the li kings.'''' — Stiiie. 

The author does not aim to lift the Scandinavians into 
an air of ungained merit, he does not aim to clothe them with 
undeserved encomium, but seeks to paint their dues in a 
straightforward way, thoughtless of sailing the sea of h3-per- 
bole, or entering any strait of unearned exploit. 

In order, however, to give the reader a clear conception 
of the spirit, the intrepidity, the characteristic worth of the 
northern peoples, my pen cannot refrain from plowing into 
the annals of the past. History is plain and authentic on 
the subject, and the same chivalric blood ebbs through the 
veins of the Vikings to da^' as of 3'-ore. They have shared 
and do share the burdens of adventure, discover}- and coloni- 



INTRODUCTION. 15 



zation. Thev have nurtured their sous and daughters with 
patriotic zeal, and unfurled to their love the folds of freedom. 
They have braved the foam-crest waves minus compass and 
sympathy — stars of night and sun of da^- guided them over 
the traceless billows. Their dauntless sails have wafted in 
sun and storm from shore to shore and woven together distant 
climes. 

Froui the dawn of navigation and soldiery the Scandi- 
navians have evinced skill and dexterity, filled with a Mhim 
to roam, see and conquer. They were, perhaps, sometimes 
rough in their daring expeditions, but alwa^-s actuated with a 
will to plant the scepter of liberty and to raise the standard 
of civilization. 

In S6o the valorous Naddodd discovered Iceland, and 
fourteen years later a republic form of government was estab- 
lished, which flourished four centuries. In 984 Erik The Red 
discovered Greenland, and in the name of his native country, 
Norvva}', took possession of the frozen territory, and unfolded 
to the l)reeze the banner of liberty. 

"To the West! To the West!" thought Leif Erikson, 
son of Erik The Red, "spite waves and breakers," and in the 
year 1000 pointed the bow of his bark for the shore of Amer- 
ica, landed at Helluland, now known as Newfoundland. He 
reconnoitered the coast as far south as Massachusetts, and 
christened the New World, / 'inland. 

Not here do the Vikings stop. In 1002 Thorwald Erik- 
son set sail for Vinland, spent three years exploring the 



16 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

green-clad banks of New England with zealous desire to 
unveil to his countrymen the characteristic features of the 
new possession. In a collision with the Skrsellings (Indians) 
his precious life was blown out, the first European to succumb 
to the arrows of the red race. 

Not here do their voyages for the New World cease. 
The sagas plainly picture their pilgrimages across the howl- 
ing waste for Vinland in 1005, 1007, loii, 1121, 1347. 

True, the Scandinavians have been heroes on sea, but no 
less so on land. King Gustavus Adolphns, of Sweden, poured 
his life blood on the battlefield of Lutzen, not for militar}^ 
glor}', but to liberate millions of innocent souls from the fire 
of tyranny, the poisonous hands of the chief of superstition, 
the narrow-minded Philip XL, of Spain. He was not onl}' a 
military geniits but the father of his people, a benefactor of 
humanity. 

In 1638 a company of Swedes colonized in the New 
World, who made the hills and forests of Delaware ring 
with the music of their picks and axes. As j-ears rolled 
by emigration started from Sweden, Norwaj'' and Den- 
mark. The wilderness of America was their object, the 
building of homes their love. They braved the interior, 
fought the lion and the bear, conquered the frowning 
forests and subdued the spreading prairies. First huts of 
logs and sods, then qiiaint dwellings rose to mark their 
energy. Fields and gardens smiled, school-houses reared 
the air, and happj- lads and lasses pranced their wa}' to school 



INTRODUCTION. 17 



to drink freely from the fountain of knowledge. Home, 
sweet home echoed from rocks and trees. The frontier was 
their chance, and thither they steered their lots. They knew 
how to swing the axe and use the hoe, climb mountains and 
make themselves contented in the most hazardous exposure. 

What to them the soft pillow? when a stone was near at 
hand. They slept under the blue sky and drank health from 
the floating. clouds. A home for my son and daughter, or my 
sweetheart, gave them fresh courage. Not only a home, but a 
pleasant home in a congenial clime, where the heaven smiles 
serenel}-, where the rose-bud bursts and thrives the year 
round. Thunder aud cyclones had shaken their tranquilitv. 
More peaceful air, tired of the friction and disagreement in 
the upper regions, and fire that seems eager to eat the whole 
firmament. Away from the boisterous thunderbolts which 
make it a business to blast and burn every cloud. "To the 
West! Sweet Westland! " rolled in their souls, where the air 
is pure, where the birds sing, where the scenery is grand. 

To the West ! Sweet Westland ! where freedom reigns, 
Where forests clothe the untrod plains, 
And flowers and fragrance blow 
Beneath peaks of crystal snow. 

Sweet Westland ! broad and free. 

How I love to dwell in thee ! 

Where jeweled brows look o'er the lea, 
And rhyming streams leap down to the sea. 



18 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



Where man is himself and courts no king, 
And axes swords, and bloodless swing. 

Sweet Westland ! broad and free, 
How I love to dwell in thee ! 




Skagit River Near Sedro-Woolley. 



To the West ! Sweet Westland by the sea, 
Where music swells the wooded lea. 
Where work is plenty and wealth to gain 
In clearing land and planting grain. 

Sweet Westland! broad and free, 

How I love to dwell in thee! 

The Author. 



THE PACIFIC COAST. 



CHAPTER 1. 



High aud noble stands the Rock}', looking downward, 
where jeweled brows hang, where silvery waves make music 
on the deep, or the sea maid shakes her streaming locks. As 
early as 1513 the brave Balboa hurled his exploring eyes over 
the watery waste and in the name of Spain declared the dis- 
covery of the mighty ocean. But, alas ! the valorous Spaniard 
received only scoff and scorn for his adventure and hardship, 
and at last the cold world saw fit to lead him to the judgment 
block for the unknown depth beyond. 

A later date, in 1592, Juan de Fuca, a Greek pilot, in 
the service of Spain, discovered the beautiful strait which 
bears his name, the gateway to the picturesque Puget Sound. 
In 1789 Captain Kendrick, an American explorer, was recon- 
noitering along the Pacific coast, entered the Strait of Fuca, 
steered his boat into the Strait of Georgia and Queen Char- 
lotte Sound, and depicted the characteristic features of the 
land-locked waters. In 1S04 the United States government 
sent the Lewis and Clark expedition across the Rocky to 
ascertain more minutely as to the climate and the feasibility 
for settlement. 

When the country was explored, and a sprinkling of 
pioneers had spread themselves in the most favorable local- 
ities, tidings of the complication between our government 
and Great Britain reached them. War clouds were hanging 



20 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

in the air prognostic of determining the ownership of their 
terra firma. An amicable settlement, however, was brought 
about and the present boundary between Washington and 
British Columbia was fixed. 

A petition was sent to Congress praying for closer 
relationship in the Union, and in 1S53 the Territor}^ of 
Oregon was organized. The flux of immigration fast settled 
the attractive sylva on the Sound and the rolling prairies 
east of the Cascades. The Territory being too large, and 
the country north of Columbia was sliced off and made to 
struggle for itself. The promoters of the scheme were vigi- 
lant and got things to move their own way, and after all, 
they didn't do anything worse than to give this vigorating 
child of Uncle Sam the ever-cherished appellation Washington. 

MY WASHINGTON. 

Beautiful Evergreen, home of the free. 
Sunshine of my fancy thee, 
Where fragrance swells the breeze, 
And freedom rings from rocks and trees. 
M}^ Washington, sweet gem of the sea, 
Land of the future, and home of the free. 

I love thy peaks in twilight hue. 

In silver rays rear to my view, 

I love thy brooks, thy laughing fjord, 

Th}' waving fields in grain of gold. 

My Washington, sweet gem of the sea. 

Land of the future, and home of the free. 



THE PACIFIC COAST. 



21 




^ 



22 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

I love thee, my land, I'll serve thee true, 
I'll look for thy wants, I'll be with you, 
Through sun and storm my heart is thine, 
Sweet hills of fir and vine. 
My Washington, sweet gem of the sea. 
Land of the future, and home of the free. 

We've plenty of soil, silver and gold, 
Aye, fields and forests of wealth untold, 
Only our hearts for thee could rise, 
Of thee I sing, my paradise. 
My Washington, sweet gem of the sea, 
Land of the future, and home of the free. 

The scenery of Washington is grand and inviting. The 
Cascade runs through the bosom of the state, cutting her in 
twain, and throws his rugged spurs into Oregon and Cali- 
fornia. The majestic Rainier rears through the clouds to 
a height of 14,444 feet, wearing a hood of perpetual snow, 
which changes to a verdant fringe as it runs downward, cloth- 
ing his feet with evergreen. Mount x^dams has pushed his 
head upward 12,902 feet, and Baker has reached an elevation 
of 10,814, while St. Helen stopped 9750 feet above sea level. 

To the westward is a less conspicuous attraction, the 
Coast Range, which skirts the ocean and varies in height 
trom 3000 to 4000 feet. Between these mountain ranges 
sweeps a fertile basin, carpeted with an unparalleled forest, 
fir, cedar, spruce and hemlock rise skyward to a skeptical 



THE PACIFIC COAST. 



23 




"^^ 



A PpGET Sound Ci-:dar. 



24 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

giddiness. Some stretch their' forms 300 feet into the air. 
Logs are piled upon one another, sleeping like angry mam- 
moths at the feet of gigantic trees. The more tender 
offsprings shoot up between these lazy monsters, and some 
take delight to grow on their deca3-ing frames. 

Into the fleecy clouds the noble firs stand. 
Their austere forms spread shadows on the strand, 
And music floats on high. 
From silver}' waves to the sk}-. 

Where tender shoots in gladness smile 
On moss-bearded logs in pile; 
Abreast with flowers they grow and swaj- 
In sisterhood from day to da}-. 

The fjords of Xorwa\- are sublime, and Puget Sound is 
equall}' so. What can be more soul-stirring and soul-inspir- 
ing than a merr}- sheet of water rippling for hundreds of miles 
into a land of verdure, making sweet music da}' and night ? 
What can be more angelic and soothing to the soul than the 
songs of the waves ? Where can you find more poesy than 
in the pearl-set crests rolling like melted gold upon gilded 
pebbles ? A clittering, clattering steal through the air, even 
in the calm of night dulcet strains come to cheer the ear. A 
soft whisper seems to spring from ever}^ flower. The forest 
is alive with melodies, hills and mountains echo back the 
harps of the deep. 



THE PACIFIC COAST. 



25 




26 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

Sing loud ye waves of dancing pearls, 
Leap frisk ye winds from heaven's throat, 

For the jeweled strand. 

Melodious land. 

Laugh ye fir, spruce and hemlock, 
Play ye breezes with their wings, 

In freedom's air, 

In sun so fair. 

Smile ye flowers in gladness free, 
I kiss your lips and love you true. 

Sweet daisies mellow, 

In coats of 3'ellow. 

Burst ye rose-buds to a fresh-born day. 

And drink from heaven's eye serene. 
Sweet beams of rainbow tint. 
Emblems of God, I weep and wait. 

' Lift high your heads ye stately hills. 
Scatter smiles where music floats, 
By the opal sea. 
The land of the free. 

Rivers and falls are no less sublime than the Sound, and 
compare in grandeur with the famous streams and cataracts of 
Switzerland and Scandinavia. The Columbia ranks with the 
most picturesque rivers in the world, being of great value to 
commerce, fleets of steamers ride on its bosom day and night 



THE PACIFIC COAST. 



27 




I'.y (.-ouitfsy oClhe (Jn-at Norilierit. 
SNoyuAi.MiE Kai,i,. 



28 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



with merchandise from foreign climes, and grain, fruit and 
other produce raised west of the Rocky. Snoqualmie, Sno- 
homish, Skagit and others are also navigable and invite the 
attention of wonder-seekers. 





"'''>»^<: 





The WiLt> Wenatchek anp the Creat Northern in Tumwater Canyon. 



Snoqualmie fall is one of nature's masterpieces, and be- 
speaks grandeur and sublimit^'. The water shoots into the 
air, tumbles down a royal precipice, whirls, foams and 
splashes, fills heaven with thunder and the soul with awe and 



THE PACIFIC COAST. 



29 



admiration. The Tumwater fall is likewise grand and awe- 
inspiring, stunning in music and bewitching in scenery. 

Storms seldom visit the Pacific, and thunder rarely finds 
a rich medium in the balm}' clouds. But, terror ! when a 




Anothkr Scen'p; of the Wenatchee and the Great Northern in Tumwater Canyon. 



Storm is propagated on yonder deep, and sets the ocean boiling 
and shivering up shallow bays, and springs into the forest 
like an unchaimed demon, then the whole heaven shakes and 
trembles. Firs and cedars tumble like dead giants, knocking 



30 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

each other to the ground in the fashion of heartless heathens. 
Blasts upon blasts swell through the air and roll along the 
mountain ridges not dissimilar to Jove's chariot. 

Ay, you speak of awe aud fright when a prairie fire gets 
sway on the Central Plain, but when the guest of good and 
evil gains access to the Washington forest in the month of 
August or September a hell is witnessed similar to that 
painted by ranting trumpeters. Flames rise skyward and 
with the aid of winds set the trees ilaring and howling as in 
the clutches of a thousand devils. 

The fertility of the Pacific forest is something incredulous, 
the quantity and quality of lumber produced are astounding 
to all not familiar with this country. Even a conservative 
estimate would make many curious speculators drunk with 
figures. 

In the State of Washington forests spread over thirteen 
million acres of land. West of the Cascades is a stretch of 
ten million, clothing hills and dells from Canada to Columbia 
river with valuable fir, cedar, spruce, pine, hemlock and tam- 
arack, while on the east side three million acres of forest land 
are scattered along the rivers and mountain slopes. 

Saw mills and shingle factories are being kept bus}' the 
year round. More than one billion feet of lumber are turned 
out annually and shipped to all parts of the globe. The 
shingle industry is something phenomenal. Factories are 
whistling and piping everywhere throughout the cedar dis- 
tricts, and thousands of men find lucrative employments. 



THE PACIFIC COAST. 



31 




A ScENe IN THE Washington Woods. 



Mining is an important pursuit, rugged brows smile with 
independent richness. Moss-bearded ledges of the precious 
metal run into tlie heart of the Cascades. The Index districts 
teem with mineral wealth, and Lake Chelan shines with 
doubtless yields. Iron ore rests in the bosom of the Sound 
country from the green feet of old Rainier to the dashing 
waves of the Pacific. As you cross the divide for Eastern 



32 



SCANDINAVIANS OX THE PACIFIC. 




•"■'^llPfej^.'"^ 




A Mixer at His Cabin. 



Washington, you find pa^'ing veins running in different direc- 
tions. Coal is a natural consequence, which in no manner 
puzzles the minds of geologists. From days of vore luxuri- 
ant vegetation has robed plains and valle3'S to impenetrable 
density. The death of rich forests has built beds of astonish- 
ing thickness, and the formation of coal has resulted to a 
marked degree. 

Agriculture and horticulture invite attention. The roll- 
ing prairies between the Rocky and the Cascades are especially 
adapted for the raising of cereals. Wheat yields from 50 to 



THE PACIFIC COAST. 33 . 

75 bushels per acre, oats from loo to 125, rye from 60 to 80. 
Irrigation has been practiced with wonderful success around 
Wenatchee. The feasibility of applying nature itself is 
remarkable. Here and there meander silvery streams of clear 
water, which are made to spread over fertile tracts of land at 
any time, and to an}- part wanted. No longing for showers to 
quench and sweeten the thirsty soil bothers the farmer in this 
section. Irrigation is so easil}' practiced, and the crops tlius 
raised are so enormous, ma}- it be grain or fruit, that the east- 
ern agriculturist cannot conceive our natural advantages. 
Why linger on the hun,<ir\- prairies of the east, freezing j-our 
lives out, when opportunities like these are extended to you ? 
Here you can get a pleasant home, for a small trifle, where 
the air is mild and soothing, where the soil is rich and easily 
cultivated. 

The Sound countr}- is equally productive. Ay, inex- 
haustible. The Washington fruit is known the world over 
for quality and qiiantity. ^Magnificent orchards adorn every 
farm, and the smaller ranches, too, enjo}- the presence of 
wealth}' apple, pear and plum trees. 

When you throw your eye upon Puget Sound, and behold 
the fleet of fish barges, rolling upon her briu}' breast, a rem- 
iniscence of the coast of Norway steals into 3'our soul. 
Cohorts of men, mostly Scandinavians, resort to the waves 
for subsistence. Herring and salmon throng the water in 
rich abundance. Shoals of the latter race along the shores, 
fighting their wa}' up streams to spawn. Some become savory 



34 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




MiNiNt; Scenes on the (Jrf.at Northern, nlar Indhx. Washington. 



THE PACIFIC COAST. 35 

prey for bears, cougars and wolves, others die a respectable 
death, or return to their natural abode — the ocean. The hali- 
but plays master among the smaller species, and grows fat at 
their diminution. He cares nothing for streams or shallow 
bays, but gambols friskily amidst the salty billows. 

All the gold and silver in the bowels of the earth, and all 
the glittering nuggets shining on her bosom did not ruffle the 
serenity, or affect the wonted vagrancy of the Indians. To 
them the forest was a nuisance and the saw mill a scarecrow. 
The sinjring brook was worthless and the rolling river value- 
less, save as mothers of trout. They had no love for higher 
aspiration, no instinct for advancement, no aim to better their 
condition, no foresight to provide against the pitiless influence 
of cold or heat, no sagacity, no frugality, no thought of to- 
morrow, no pile of subsistence for a rainy day or helpless age, 
troubled their minds. Life was to them a ceaseless dream of 
nothingness. Superstition was their god and pride, reason a 
casual stranger which rooted not in their souls. 

What has changed this sad drudgery of the Indians to a 
social commonwealth? What has spurned the fiend of super- 
stition to a shameful death ? What has invited reason and 
common sense to dwell peacefully in our hearts ? What has 
lifted the world from the thorny plane of priesthood ? What 
has wrested from the priestly hand the scepter of government? 
Our forefathers knew it and provided for its development. 
The pioneers of Washington had tested it, and prescribed it 
for the coming generations. The log schoolhouse rose to 



36 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




^•H®^^ 1^ 



JfcL W. 



i'T5i 



!K:;«^.' 






their sweet recollection of cliildliood daj's, then a frame build- 
ing, then a brick edifice. High schools were established, a 
state university was erected, normal schools were founded, an 
agricultural college and school of science was built. 



THE FIRST SCANDINAVIAN PIONEERS. 

CHAPTER II. 

Dashed from shore to shore, 

On the Pacific evermore, 

Now sunk in grave or bent with years, 

Dauntless pioneers. 

No class of people or nation deserves the title, cosmo- 
politan, better than the Vikings. Their names mingle with 
the history of England, France, Russia and Italy, and in the 
Western Hemisphere we find them all over. To trace up the 
first Scandinavian that touched the shore of Washington is 
difficult, if not impossible. No doubt but Scandinavians 
made stoppings along the coast on their fishing expeditions 
to the north before any white man had dreamt to pin his hopes 
to the North Pacific. And it is probable, too, that some ad- 
venturous spirit of Viking blood had been washed with 
American polish, and passed as a Yankee in the Lewis and 
Clark expedition. It is safe to conjecture, however, that 
some straggler from the sea-beaten shores of Scandinavia 
shared the sufferings with the trappers of the Hudson Bay 
Company, or partook of the hardships in John Jacob Astor's 
expeditions for the mouth of Columbia river. These compa- 
nies were made up of heterogeneous crews. The mercurial 
French Canadian, the acute Yankee, the jolly Englishman, 
the stern German, joined hands for the furfields, and it seems 



38 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

reasonable that some hardy Scandinavian, too, was likely to 
abandon his fireside, turn his back on civilization, and yield 
consent to a more romantic life. 

A motley combine known as the Russian Fur Company 
had established an emporium on the Pacific coast, and a 
number of trading posts in the interior, ere the close of the 
eighteenth century, and it is authentically evidenced that 
Scandinavians and Finlanders constituted the minor force of 
the regiment of trappers and navigators. Let it suffice to 
say, however, that these brave adventurers regardless of 
genealogical t3'pe did much to sow information in the 
Old World of the evergreen land west of the Rocky ; and 
suffer it to be known that the probability is that some intrepid 
Scandinavian sacrificed his life in search for peltry, and that 
his bones rest in peace beneath the green turf in the Pacific 
forest. This brings us to the influx of permanent settlers. 

Mrs. Frederic Meyer. — One of the first white women 
that breathed the air of Pierce county was Mrs. Frederic 
Meyer, a Norwegian by birth. She left her mother's hearth 
in Toten while a tender bud, fresh as a rose with blooms of 
white and purple blushing on her cheeks. Few women are 
of true romantic nature, their hearts, as a rule, are attached 
to social affiliation around the fireside, but Mrs. Meyer figures 
as a typical exception. Those that have known her well 
speak with kind tongues, pronouncing her a model of her sex, 
chivalric in spirit, and brave, but warm at heart. According 
to reliable information obtained in Tacoma, she lit her feet 



THE FIRST SCANDINAVIAN PIONEERS. 



39 




on the green-trimmed shore, where the City of Destiny now 
looms, forty odd years ago. She was married to an estimable 
German. 



40 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

Hood's Canal Ander.son. — Hood's Canal Anderson 
was a peculiar composition of strange fancy. He was born 
in Denmark, and from childhood showed an insatiable 
passion for the sea, which ripened into irresistible lust. 
While a lad of vernal years he left his native seat to be 
dashed on the brinv waves from port to port. He saw the 
crystal ice of Lofoten, the huge glaciers of Greenland, the 
thirsty greens of India, the foul bogs of China, the flowery 
vales of Japan, the rich gold fields of Australia, the teeming 
meadows of New Zealand. He was tossed from continent to 
continent, from island to island. About fortv-five years ago 
he drifted ashore near Port Discover}', and under veil of night 
put wings to his feet for the forest. The fascinating aspect 
of the country and the aromatic sjdva poured streams of de- 
light into his soul. As he stood in the early morn, gazing 
around in mingled awe and admiration, he was surrounded by 
a red race, who, at first, gave vent to the horrible dilemma of 
converting his heart to ashes or treating him as a slave, but 
his ingenious demeanor turned their sanguinity to laughter, 
and Anderson became their curious jocularity which melted 
to favoritism. He strolled with the train of vagabonds alter- 
nately fishing and hunting up streams and canoeing the 
Sound. Thus ten 3'ears were dragged out of his longevity 
without mingling with white men. 

His longing for civilization vanished little by little, and the 
life of celibacy settled heavily on his heart. He was a friend 
of the chief and an admirer of his daughter, and it took only 



TIIK FIRST SCANDINAVIAN PIONEERS. 41 



the big canoe to seal the bargain. Anderson was rather long- 
headed for the red heathens, and got the best of ever}' deal. 
He was now the possessor of the biggest canoe, save the roj'al 
ship, and was looked upon as independently opnlent. Onlj- a 
word wonld change his life for better or worse. Finallv he 
took the delicate step and offered the huge dug-out in trade 
for the voung princes, which was accepted with loud eclat. 

The ban of the nuptial day was made public. The bride 
spared no tiptoeing to make it highly royal. First was a coat 
of red paint, then purple, tinged with green. A carefully ad- 
ministered shampoo of oil followed, then a crands of wild 
flowers was critically twined to her wealth of black locks with 
a few quills set on end in the most confused bewilderment. 
Of course, Anderson did not fancy the odorous coat of his in- 
tended, nor her pert of etiquette, but being as those things 
were incidental to the dynasty, he darted approbation with his 
blue ej'es, thinking, "Costume is not permanent." 

From this time the chivalric Dane became a leader. He 
piloted the royal squadron to Hood's Canal, where he squatted 
on a piece of land, hence the sobriquet — Hood's Canal An- 
derson. 

He became attached to his wife, and she reciprocated with 
equal depth of conjugality, and shaped her costume to meet his 
liking, yet Uncle Sam pried into their warm nestling by passing 
a law to either separate or marry according to his code. Of 
course, Anderson had to marry his wife the second time, whicli 
he did like a loyal citizen. He took his corpulent queen. 



42 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



placed her in the stern of the big canoe, and paddled to Sea- 
bold, where they were united in holy ties by Harry Shafer, 
Uncle Sam's matrimonial agent. Anderson bears the honor 
of being the first white man on Paget Sound concubined to a 
squaw in accordance with the laws of the United States. He 
was industrious and elevated compared with his station, turned 
a wooded bit of ground to a flowery garden, and in a corner, be- 
neath a weedy sod, he rests unsung. 

Peter Friberg. — Peter Friberg,like Hood's Canal Ander- 
son, has walked the highway of frontier trials. He was born in 
Sweden, but when a mere youth sought the waves. After 
years of trying experiences he found himself on Puget Sound, 
among the floating Flatheads, about the same time Anderson 
landed, but perchance drifted off with another flock of red- 
skins, consequently the two contemporaries were ignorant of 
each others wanderings till later j^ears, when they accidently 
met and shook hands. 

Peter Friberg also threw his heart to a squaw, and with her 
he barged along the shores making depredation on salmon and 
halibut, finally pinning his future to a happy point running 
into the bosom of the Sound, near Salmon Bay. 

Martin Toftezen. — About two-and-forty years ago, a son 
of Norway anchored his canoe on the north side of Whidbey 
Island. His name has been pinned to its soil among the first 
on record. He was a pioneer of heart and courage — chivalrous 
Martin Toftezen. He had drifted around the Horn on a ship, 
and was tossed into the mouth of Puget Sound, where the 



THE FIRST SCANDINAVIAN PIONEERS. 43 

breath of the deep calmed to a gentle zephyr, and the wings of 
speed flapped in disconsolation. The bark was dashed ashore 
by the angry billows, caused by the agitating tide, and Tofte- 
zen stood in a transport of mingled awe and perturbation. 
Nature was grand, enchantingly sang the ripples up the fasci- 
nating arm, and mad in grandeur reared the snow-capped 
peaks, flinging smiles of welcome. "Why reject the poetic 
landscape? Nature's sweetness will smite the blue forehead 
of dreary solitude." These thoughts rolled in his fancy, and 
up the Sound he paddled, and settled on the green tail, where 
he wore out his life. 

Peter Andrias Peterson. — No man on the Pacific coast 

ever endured more hardships than the personage in question 

—Peter Andrias Peterson — who, about a year ago fell prey to 

an incidental injury, and was carried over the stream for the 

unknown sea beyond. 

He was born in Denmark, 1S28, and cast on the cold bil- 
lows to struggle for himself at the age of fifteen. A few years 
later he stepped ashore in England, where he took a course in 
navigation to enable himself to cope more successfully with 
the foam-crest surges. He embarked a ship for India and 
Australia. In the latter place his mind was engrossed with excit- 
ing reports from the gold fields, and thither he flew, a fugitive 
of the sea. Success smiled on his brow, and wealth crowded 
into his hands; but riches easily won are not highl}' treasured. 
In a wildcat scheme he sunk his fortune, and before the dawn 
of a fresh week his thousands were in the hands of others. 



44 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

This catastrophe, brought about b}- sheer mishap, drove 
him back to the sea, and, in 1S59, landed at Victoria, British 
Columbia. A buoyant spirit, though wounded with ill-luck, will 
soar to felicity and breathe vigor on green fields. Peterson was 
delighted with the verdure that greeted his vision, and took a 
canoe excursion around the Sound. On returning to Victoria, 
he was struck with the gold fe\er which raged desperately in 
the Cascades and Sound country. He compromised with his 
floating thoughts, bent his energy on a prospecting tour, 
and in two days flocked together sixteen men. In his 
customary adroitness he took command of the little army 
of gold seekers, and bore into the forest, but when two 
hundred and twenty-five miles from Victoria, thirteen of them 
lost courage and returned to the city. 

Peterson and his two companions proceeded up a small 
stream for some da3's, and to their astonishment, one gra^' 
evening, fell upon four white men actively engaged in picking 
gold nuggets. They staked out a claim, glimpses of luck 
commenced to pla}' on their cheeks, but died ere a fortnight 
had gone to rest in the pensive dream of growing forgetfulness. 
Their ration was getting low, and to save themselves from fall- 
ing victims to pitiless starvation, they raked together their 
pelf, and returned to Victoria. 

In the spring an English syndicate mustered a regiment of 
fresh recruits, a man of spirit and agility was wanted to head 
an expedition into the mountains, and Peterson was offered the 
responsibility, as he had already gained fame as a daring ad- 



THE FIRST SCANDINAVIAN PIONEERS. 45 

venturer. It was suggested to seek a new field, and a guide 
was secured to uslier them along. First, however, was to 
hunt up aji easy pass, and to accomplish this, a knot of four- 
teen men, headed by Peterson, was dispatched into the wilder- 
ness. They fought their way through uiurk3- vales and 
climbed moss-bearded brows, the da^^ sunk behind the horizon 
and night wrapped them in darkness. Thus they continued; 
but, alas! the guide disappears. The others rambled through 
treacherous woods, thoughtless of any hazard. Hours were 
consumed climbing over angry logs and chasing through 
witching dingles, but the guide was neither heard nor sighted. 

The thirteen brave were lost in the forest where gloomy 
giants stretched into a ghastly stillness, broken only by 
deceiving owls sailing over their heads on disconsolate wings. 
For eight days they wandered without a morsel to eat ; grouse 
and pheasant were drumming through the air, and deer gam- 
bolled in listless droves, but only to whet their keen appetite. 
Their fire-locks were empty like their stomachs. 

After darkness comes sunshine, and to their exhileration 
tumbled into an unknown mining camp. They were received 
as friends and immediately treated to a savory table. One of the 
unfortunates being so greedy for the palatable viands that he 
rose in the night to gormandize a heap of pan-cakes, left from 
supper, and shortly after fell juicy feed for the grave and 
worms. 

A new plan was formulated, two Scotchmen were sent 
back to Victoria for provision, and the others remained at the 



46 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

camp. A couple of months elapsed, and twent3'-four miners 
halted at the gold-seeking hamlet where the unlucky retinue 
joined them. 

The company-, now numbering thirty-four, resumed their 
pilgrimage in an easterly direction for nearly two hundred 
miles. The landscape swept up into jutting brows and gray- 
headed peaks, and the forest fringed into a scabb}?^ shrub of 
hungry appearance. The change in nature cast cold currents 
into their souls, but soou melted into delight. A beautiful 
stream grated their ears, and thither they flocked. 

Nature was now sweetness and grandeur, and fortune 
seemed to smile from every leaf and twig. The blue heaven 
hung over them, here and there dipped with shades of purple; 
the sun sent down his wealth of beams to kiss their hard}' 
cheeks; and the clear stream was busy making music as it 
tumbled down jeweled precipices to swell the deep. The}' 
drank hope and aspiration from the poetic environment, and 
each, as a loval soldier, embarked his assigned duty with 
happiness in his heart. Gold was not doubted, before a montli 
had slipped away, the precious metal glittered in rich veins. 

A frontier mining camp, in the heart of savages, is a con- 
tinuous scene of sunshine and storm, of joy and despair. Pre- 
cavition must be the watchword of every individual, early and 
late; a careless step might betray them to the altar of cruel 
staughter. The book-keeper had been appointed custodian of 
the fire arms, who, in a thoughtless way, or to satisfy his 
greed, bargained the ammunition to the Indians. Oh, terror ! 



THE FIRST SCANDINAVIAN PIONEERS. 47 

the liapp}' camp was turned to a lake of blood. One sad 
night, in the early part of winter, the savages stealthil}^ fell 
upon the camp, and like thieves entered the lodges, pointed 
their ill-gotten fire-pieces against innocent breasts, and 
quenched the light within. 

Peterson and two Scotchmen escaped the mvirderous 
fire, naked they ran, not dissimilar to deer over the snow, 
the former dashed into the river where ten thousand pug 
devils, sitting in its liosom, lileeded his feet, and the latter 
chased down the bank of the stream as in an elopement 
from hell. After a month of severest suffering and hard- 
ship they reached the gate of safet}- — Victoria — blood- 
stained and scragg}', hardly able to combat the icy ang'-el 
of death. The gold fever had ceased to ebb through their 
veins. The two Scotchmen returned to their dear father- 
land, and Peterson built a boat and sailed for Stillaguamish 
where he sleeps in peace under the green turf, three miles 
from Stanwo<Kl. 

Fred LandsTONE. — In Swedish. Fredrik Landsten, 
a man of nomadic spirit and fine intellect, was l)orn in 
Sweden, and in the spring of manhood ascended the hori- 
zon of sea- faring exploits. In iS6o he landed at San 
Francisco, and a year later stept ashore at Port Discovery, 
Washington. A score of years on the rolling l)rine had 
changed his mind for terra firma. He resorted to logfgfino' 
camps and saw mills, working hard until 1S76, when he 
retired on a piece of land three miles from Poulsbo, where 



48 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




C O 

- o 

> 3^ 

i I 

< = 

— X 

o \ 



= bo 



THE FIRST SCANDINAVIAN PIONEERS. 49 

he still resides, slow!}' wearing out the balance of his 
3'ears. 

Charles John Chilberg (not John Charles as shown 
under the illustration). — White with a wealth of snowy 
locks, and seven-and-four scores of years hanging on his 
back, j'et nimbly he frisks about on his beautiful farm 
at Pleasant Ridge, Skagit count}-. This aged pioneer of 
unusual endurance and grit, keen intellect and warm soul, 
was born in Halland, near Laholm, Sweden, 1S13, came to 
America, 1846, and located in Iowa. In :86o he visited 
Pike's Peak, Colorado, and in 1S63 left his family again, a 
loving wife and children, for the West with a view to find a 
more congenial clime. For sometime he traveled in Mon- 
tana, crossed the Rocky, and came to Puget Sound, 1865. 
The sweet-scenting forest and the balmy heaven awakened 
his love for perambulation of the Pacific, from British Co- 
lumbia to the Golden State. He resolved to make his future 
abode west of the Cascades, and in 1S69 returned to Iowa to 
remove his family to Washington, arriving at Pleasant 
Ridge the following spring. 

Mrs. Charles John Chilberg and three of her sons, Joseph, 
John H. and Charles F., came to the Pacific in the spring of 
187 1, and Isaac and B. A. a few months later. James P. 
Chilberg has climbed the horizon of pioneer adventures. In 
1859 he landed in California, in 1864 traveled in Oregon, and 
in 1870 beheld the rippling Sound and the Washington forest. 
In 1872 Nelson Chilberg took a surve}' of the Pacific and 



50 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

three years subsequent his brother Andrew threw his eyes 
upon the mighty ocean. 

Andrew Nelson. — A jolly fellow, familiarly known as 
Dogfish Nelson, was among the first Scandinavian pioneers. 
He was born in Denmark, 1832, and landed as a sailor at 
Port lyudlow in 1S67. Like man}^ others he was attracted 
by the count rj', and to drive away monoton}- took an 
Indian woman for wife, as white women were almost 
unknown on the coast at that time. Nelson has encoun- 
tered many obstacles in his cruising among the red skins 
and fierce brutes, but always managed to pla}' the hero. 
He has been industrious and convivial, and a flowery nest 
in Brown's Ba}' bespeaks his rank. 

Hans Hansen, a Dane, who resides at Alki Point, 
near Seattle, has earned a footing among the early Scan- 
dinavian pioneers. His 3"ears on the Pacific reach pretty 
nigh two scores. Knut Knutson, a native of Norwav, and 
also a resident of Alki Point, came to Puget Sound over 
thirty years ago, and has passed through days of sun and 
storm. C. K. Norager, likewise of Norse birth, places his 
disembarkation on the Pacific about fort}^ years back. 



SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 

CHAPTER III. 

Seattle, the metropolis of Washington, and the busiest 
city on the Pacific coast, has a romantic history, as well as 
a histor}' of thrift and progress. Thirty-five years ago 
only a few log cabins set on the shore of Elliott Bay, 
inhabited by a handful of pioneers. Bears and cougars 
danced around their huts, and Indians skulked in lazy 




A SCFNE IN THE HARHOR OF SEATTLE. 



hordes at their threshold. How changed! to day the Queen 
city is spread over about fifty square miles of land, over- 
looking the melodious Puget Sound, and dots the green 
borders of three fresh-water lakes with snug cottages. 
She has a papulation of about 85,000, of which a large per 
cent are Scandinavians. 



52 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

The first Scandinavian that visited Elliott Bay, of which 
we have any authentic account, was Peter Friberg, formerly 
mentioned. Shortly after came C. E. Norager and others 
referred to in the previous chapter. Charles John Chilberg 
made a siirvej' of the bay in 1865, when only a saw mill and 
a sprinkling of shanties marked the presence of white men. 
In 1S69, Edward Gunderson, a native of Norway, crossed the 
Rocky to make Seattle his future habitation, which was then 
in its early embryo. The same year, Amund Aniunds, born 
in Racine county. Wis., of Norwegian parents, removed to 
the city from Cowlitz county where he had disembarked two 
years prior. Amunds grew opulent and invited the love of 
all his associates. He was director and first vice-president of 
the Scandinavian-American Bank of Seattle, and heavily 
interested in real estate. He was an energetic worker in the 
Ancient Order of United Workmen, and received the highest 
honor — Grand Receiver of the jurisdiction of Washington. 
He died four years ago and his funeral was a solemn event. 

In 1S72, Nelson Chilberg, son of Charles John Chilberg, 
made an appearance, and three years later his brother An- 
drew was attracted to the coast, as referred to in the previous 
chapter, and started the first Scandinavian store in Seattle, 
in company witli J. P. Chilberg. The prospect was glit- 
tering and ere a year had died Nelson joined them in grocer j^ 
business, the firm being Chilberg Brothers. Andrew Chil- 
berg soon rose to popularity, became one of Seattle's most 
prominent citizens, and an honor to the Scandinavians. 



SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 



53 




He was born in Laholm, Sweden, March 29, 1845. When 
a lad of one 3'ear he crossed the Athmtic with his parents, 
settling near Ottunnva, Iowa, where he received his early 



54 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

education in the common schools. In iS6o he left Ottumwa 
with his father and older brother, Nelson, for Pike's Peak, 
Colorado, remaining two 3'ears, then returned to Iowa. In 
1S63 he crossed the Rocky with a wagon train, arriving in 
Sacramento after a journey of five months, September 24th. 
His health was harassed by exposure and hardship in cross- 
ing the plains, and as an alternative of recovery worked on 
a farm two 3'ears. Mr. Chilberg was anxious to complete his 
education, and in 1866 returned to Iowa via Nicaragua and 
New York. After taking a course in college he obtained a 
teacher's certificate and engaged in teaching, but abandoned 
the profession after three years of successful experience to 
enter a more lucrative position in Ottumwa. In 1S57 he jour- 
neyed to Seattle, where he still resides, embarking in grocery 
business in company' with his brother, the firm being Chil- 
berg Brothers. Three 3-ears subsequent to his arrival in the 
city, he was elected to the cit^- council, in 1879 appointed 
vice-consul for Sweden and Norwa}-, in 1882 chosen county 
assessor, and in 1885 intrusted with the responsibility of citv 
treasurer. In 18S6 he was named city passenger and ticket 
agent for the Northern Pacific Railroad, but resigned, 1892, 
to aecept the presidency of the Scandinavian-American Bank 
of Seattle. In 1S96 he was elected to the board of education, 
and the following year assumed the presidential chair. He was 
married to an estimable lady, Miss Marj- Nelson, in Iowa, 
November 5, 1S74. They have one son, Eugene, who is a 
young man of fine training, being educated in the Seattle 



SOANDINANIANS IN SEATTLE. 55 

High School, Washington Agricultiiral College and School of 
Science, and Washington State University. 

Peter Wickstrom. — With the first brigade of Scandi- 
navians, Peter Wickstrom marched in the front rank. He 
was born in Sweden, 1837, arrived in St. Paul, Minnesota, 
1868, and four years later beheld the city of Portland, Oregon, 
and the same year located in Seattle. 

Louis and Henry Peterson. — The Peterson brothers were 
among the earh- Scandinavians and the first to engage in the 
art of photography in the city of Seattle. The}' were born 
in Norwa}' but sailed for America while j-oung boys, arriv- 
ing in Chicago, 1857, where they resided nineteen years, 
leaving for Seattle, 1876. 

Martin C. Mortensen. — Mortensen was a native of Den- 
mark, and arrived in Seattle the same year as the Peterson 
brothers. He came to America, 1S68, and two \'ears later 
landed in San Francisco, spending six 3-ears in that city, 
then journeyed northward. 

Christian C. Plough. — Vice-Consul Christian C. Plough 
is one of Seattle's most highly respected citizens. He was 
born in Denmark, 1825, and came to America, 1868, selecting 
Chicago for his first stopping place, but after two months of 
abode in the Windy City he removed to Nebraska, where he 
stayed one j-ear. The Pacific was his aim and thither he 
went, disembarked in Olympia, via San Francisco b\- boat, 
1872, where he remained three weeks. Portland, Oregon, had 
attracted considerable attention as a city of business prospect, 



56 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

and Plough agaiu picked together his effects to resume an- 
other journey. He stayed in Portland three years then re- 
moved to Seattle. In 1883 he was appointed \-ice-consul for 
Denmark, served with honor until 1895 when he was com- 
pelled to resign on account of ill health. Christian Geerstsen, 
a man of honor and intelligence, came to America in company 
with Plough, and also arrived in Seattle together. He was 
born in Denmark, 1S39. 

Ben Jensen, now a resident of San Juan county, arrived 
in Seattle when a dense forest clothed the principal streets. 
He was born in Norway, came to America while a youth, 
and has proved a worth}' factor to his adopted country. Ole 
Egge, also a native of Norway, has shared the hardships of 
the early Pacific. He is a man of intelligence, and enjoys the 
respect of his countrymen. His son Peter is a bright man of 
mechanical ingenuity, and landed in Seattle with his parents. 

In the more recent years, Scandinavians in Seattle have 
made great progress in professional and business circles. In 
politics, too, they have commanded notice, and in science and 
letters attention. E. H. Evenson is the incumbent county 
auditor, and H. P. Rude councilman-at-large. 

E. H. Evenson was born at Whitewater, Wisconsin, in 
the year 1852. His early life was spent on a farm in Wau- 
paca county, Wisconsin. At the age of iS he began to teach 
in the common schools in his neighborhood, and with the 
money thus earned he started on a six 3'ears' course at Deco- 
rah College, Iowa, from which he graduated in the spring of 



SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 57 



'79. During all this time he taught common schools at inter- 
vals, and during vacations worked in the harvest fields of 
Minnesota and earned the money with which to pa}' his col- 
lege expenses. Having finished his course at Decorah College 
he entered the State University- of Wisconsin, from which he 
graduated with the class of 'Si. 

In the fall of the same year, Mr. Eveuson secured a posi- 
tion as teacher in Milton College, Milton, Wisconsin, where 
he remained for three 3'ears ; at the end of that period he re- 
moved to Madison, South Dakota, to fill a place as teacher in 
the State Normal School at that cit}-, which position he occu- 
pied for two years ; he was then elected county superintendent 
of schools for Lake county, in which capacity he served two 
terms. At the close of the last term he made another move 
west, to Puget Sound, and settled on 40 acres of land near the 
town of Kent, where he now resides with his family. He 
is at present serving his second term as auditor of King 
county. 

Mr. Evenson is a firm believer in the " single tax" theo- 
ries of Henry George ; that is, in placing all taxes on ground 
rents. The justice of that method, he claims, is based on the 
following self-evident truths: 

" ist : That whatever the individual produces, belongs to 
the individual, and whatever the community produces, belongs 
to the community. 

"2d: That the general rise in land value, commoul}' 
called ground rents, is caused by the growth of the com- 



58 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

munity and its competition for work, and therefore, by right, 
belongs to the community. 

"3d: That, as taxes are needed for the welfare of the 
community, it is only in accordance with natural and divine law 
that the community makes use of this common fund before it 
resorts to the confiscation of what properl}- belongs to the in- 
dividual. 

"4th: That it is not onlj- unjust in principle, but injuri- 
ous to the last degree in practice, that one man is taxed more 
for making land useful and employing labor on it, than an- 
other is taxed for holding land idle and keeping labor off it. 

"sth: That to tax labor or its products, is to discourage 
industry. 

"6th: That to tax land values to their full amount will 
compel every individual controlling natural opportunities to 
either utilize them by the emploj-ment of labor, or abandon 
them to others; that it will thus provide opportunities of work 
for all men, and secure to each the full reward of his labor." 

H. P. Rude, the fearless co;incilnan-at-large, of Seattle, 
was born in Toten, Norway, March 4, 1861. He graduated 
from the public school at the age of fifteen, later took a course 
in higher education at a private institution. From boyhood 
he manifested native pluck which his career plainly reveals. 
Unlike most boys, he spent his leisure studying and learn- 
ing the tailoring trade. Seeing that the seat of his birth 
being too narrow for cosmopolitan development, he planned 
for the national capital against the will of his father. In a 



SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 



59 




60 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



confidential manner he obtained two crowns from his grand- 
father, and under veil of night walked forty-two miles, arriving 
at Dahl Station, Eidsvold, at ope of dawn, from whence he took 
the train to Christiania. Though only a youth of fifteen, he 
found employment in a leading tailoring establishment, and 
attended school during evenings. In iSSi he emigrated to 
America, after making a short stop in Chicago, he proceeded 
to Redwing, Alinnesota, to visit relatives who lived fifteen 
miles out in the country, in the state of Wisconsin. Unable 
to articulate an English sentence, " but where there is a will 
there is a way," crossed the river with an Indian, found the 
road by means of a guide-post, and stalked the unknown dis- 
tance. After a pleasant reunion with friends and relatives, he 
returned to Redwing, worked for sometime at his trade, then 
embarked in business for himself. His next move was to 
Minneapolis, where he found employment in a fashionable 
store. He joined the Tailors' Union, having a membership of 
200, and within a 3'ear became its president, and subsequentl}- 
was chosen a delegate to the Trade and Labor Assembly. He 
resigned from the Union to engage in business of his own 
which he followed for some time. After disposing of his inter- 
ests in Minneapolis, he traveled in the surrounding cities, then 
crossed the Rocky, arriving in Seattle, 1890, during the 
transient boom of Anacortes, which attracted him to that place, 
but returned to Seattle ere long. He worked for awhile as 
cutter, then started a tailoring establishment of his own. 

For years he had been alert to public affairs, and in 1896 



SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 61 

was elected councilman from the Sixth Ward, the fusion 
stronghold, with a large majoritj'. He was renominated b}' 
the Republican party, but councilman-at-large, and elected 
with an increased vote. On resignation of Mayor Wood, he 
was instrumental in placing Judge Thomas J. Humes into the 
mayor's chair. To the credit of Mr. Rude it must be said 
that he has ascended to his political honors unsought, and 
that his record is emblematic of honesty and abilit3^ He has 
been opposing the perpetuit}- of the gambling hells in the 
lower strata of the city in such a manner that even his polit- 
ical enemies had to commend his course. His famous reso- 
lution made the tenderloin district shiver with fear, while 
honest men and women bowed with gratitude. The following 
is taken from a leading daily of Seattle : 

"H. P. Rude, councilman-at-large, is entitled to great 
credit for his endeavor to put a quietus to certain classes of 
crime so often indulged in the various places of resort in the 
lower part of the city." 

Mr. Rude's influence among the members of the city 
council is made conspicuous b}' his representation on the 
several committees. He is chairman of the police license 
and revenue committee, and a valuable member on the com- 
mittees of finance, corporation, labor, public buildings and 
grounds, and harbor and wharf. 

He was married, iS8i, in Minnesota, to Miss Lina Sophia 
Larsen, a lady of lofty character, to whom he was betrothed 
in Nor\vaJ^ She was born in Eidswold, November 24, 1863, 



62 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

of highly respected parents, and emigrated to America a few- 
months subsequent to the arrival of her husband. They have 
four children, Henr}- M. Rude, born in Wisconsin, March 14, 
1883. The other three are natives of Minnesota, George A. 
Rude, born May 3, 1S85, Lillie Palnia Rude, Febniar}- 24, 
18S7, and Morris O. Rude, April 10, 1889. 

J. H. Ekstrand, a true son of Sweden, and an ex-minister 
of the M. E. Church, is a Seattle pioneer. He came to the 
United States more than two scores of years ago, and has been 
influential in both church and political circles. 

E. A. Seaburg, a native of Sweden, has likewise given 
keen vigilance to public affairs, always a stalwart republican. 
As regards men of scholarl}' attainment. Rev. M. A. Chris- 
tensen ranks among the most polished on Puget Sound. He 
is an accomplished linguist and an eloquent pastor of the 
Emmanuel Lutheran Church. H. M. Korstad, a graduate of 
the University of Washington, is also master of several lan- 
guages and a deep student of ethics and psycholog3\ He 
was born in the United States, but his parents hail from \'al- 
ders, Norwa)^ His sister, Bertha Korstad, is a prominent 
teacher in the public schools of Kitsap county. 

N. B. Nelson. — \'ery few have been more successful in 
business than the personage in question — N. B. Nelson — of 
the firm, Frederick, Nelson and Munro. He is a man of a 
lucky mixture — business, integrity, and sociability. Mr. 
Nelson was born in Kristianstad, Sweden, July 31, 1857, and 
like most boys in that country received a thorough schooling. 



SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 



63 







^|ff||t^i^ . 


t 




^ 


^^..J^ 


^ 


4 




% 


N. B. Nelson. 





64 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



From boyhood he had nursed a liking to see America, and in 
1875 landed in Colorado, minus means, a stranger in a new 
world, and worst of all unable to converse with the general 
public, but picked up the language with marked rapidity. 
He bent his energy to farming, following the pursuit for 




R1A1.T0 Block. 
Occupied by Frederick, Nelson aud Muuro. 



several years in Garfield county, but at the same time gave 
keen eye to public affairs, and served the people as count}- 
commissioner for three years. His attention was engrossed 
with the progress of the Pacific, and thither he journe3'ed, 
1891, and shortl}' after embarked in furniture business on 



SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 65 

Pike street in a store less tban twenty by sixty. At present 
the firm of Frederick, Nelson and Munro occupies the Rialto 
Block, in the very heart of the city, covering 105,400 square 
feet, more than two and a half acres of household goods. 
The traffic of the firm is immense, exceeding every establish- 
ment of its nature north of San Francisco. Mr. Nelson was 
married, 1895, to an accomplished 3'oung lady, Miss Teckla 
Johnson, born in Ronneby, Blekinge, Sweden. They have 
two bo3'S, Frederick Creigh Nelson and Chester Munro Nelson. 
Axel H. Soelberg, bank cashier and a respected citizen of 
Seattle, was born at Ness Hedemarken, Norway, on March 2, 
1869. He received a common school education, graduating at 
the age of fourteen. In 1SS4 he secured a position in the 
store of Jevanord Brothers in Brumundalen, with whom he 
remained until in the spring of 188S, when he emigrated for 
America. He arrived in Minneapolis on the morning of May 
17th. A short time previous, a number of Norwegian- 
American citizens of Minneapolis had organized the State Sash 
and Door Manufacturing Company, and Mr. Soelberg was 
offered the position as book-keeper a few days after his arrival 
in the city. He served in this capacity for about two years, 
then was elected secretary of the firm, and two years later vice- 
president. In the spring of 1S92, when the Scandinavian- 
American Bank of Seattle was organized, he was tendered the 
position as book-keeper in the bank, and accepting, Mr. Soel- 
berg found himself in Seattle on one of the first days in April 
of that year. At the annual meeting in 1894, he was elected 



66 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 67 

cashier of the bank, which position he now holds. Mr. Soel- 
berg is a man of literary aptitude as well as of business 
capacity, has contributed largely to the Seattle Daily Times 
and other leading papers. He could have won laurels on the 
field of letters as well as business notice in the world of traffic. 
In January, 1S9S, he was married to Miss Olga Wickstrom, 
an accomplished young lady of Seattle. They have a beau- 
tiful home in one of the finest parts of the city. 

Drs. Ivar and Eiliv Jansou. — Every Scandinavian is 
familiar with the name, Kristofer Janson, the eminent Nor- 
wegian poet and novelist. 

No less a halo of the minstrel car, 
Light brave Janson sows afar, 
At thy torch superstition weeps, 
Dogmas wilt in deftly labored heaps. 

The God of nature, love and truth, 
Flash on thy wing to Age and Youth, 
With gilded rod and silver tongue. 
Thou riftst the creeds of ages long. 

From ''An Ode to the Land of the Vikings." 

The two doctors in question are sons of this noble 
author, Ivar being born in Bergen, Norway, March i, 1865, 
and Eiliv in vSel, Gudbrandsdalen, May 25, 1870. Both re- 
ceived their early education bj' private tuition, and in 1882 
emigrated with their parents to America, settling in Minne- 



68 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 69 

apolis. They took advantage of the splendid school facilities 
offered by that city as preparation for the state university of 
Minnesota, where they graduated, 1892, with the degree of 
Doctor of Medicine, M. D. Their collegiate records bespeak 
scholarly distinction which have been made more emphatic 
by subsequent years. Immediately after graduation, Dr. Iv ar 
Janson was appointed assistant professor in the medical 
department at his alma mater, but resigned the chair to take 
a move westward, arriving in Seattle, 1S95, where he enjoys 
an enviable practice, being recognized as a leading surgeon 
on the Pacific. His brother. Dr. Eiliv Janson, steered his 
fortune to Astoria, Oregon, in the fall following his gradua- 
tion, and soon rose to be one of the most beloved physicians 
in the city. His ability invited the attention of the public, 
and his practice grew immensely, being the largest in that 
part of the state. The last year he has spent study- 
ing at the universities of Europe, in Berlin, Dresden, Munich, 
Copenhagen and Paris, and will join his brother in Seattle 
next June. The two doctors have evinced the genius of their 
father, but in a different direction, the sire a poet, the sons 
surgeons and physicians. The former has climbed the ladder 
of fame, the latter are climbing it. They are both married 
to ladies of rare abilities and accomplishments. Mrs. Ivar 
Janson is one of Seattle's most gifted vocalists. "Think for 
yourself" is a soul-inspiring motto, and is applicable to the 
Janson family. In spite of angry opposition and glittering 
pelf the rich mind of Kristofer Janson has scattered sun- 



70 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

















C. N. Sandahl. 





SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 71 

beams of truth aud thought. He has sought to lift his 
countrymen upon the plane of reason and brotherly love. The 
sons have imbred their father's soul of thought and sym- 
pathy, which the public echo in more eloquent words than 
my pen. 

C. N. Sandahl. — Washington is dependent on the science 
of horticulture, fruit is her future. Any man willing to bend 
his heart to the soil is a valuable exponent in the upbuilding 
of the country. Few men have done more in this line than 
the well-known floriculturist and nurseryman, C. N. Sandahl, 
of 1 1 23, Second Avenue, Seattle. He was born in Horsens, 
Denmark, 1857; acquired his education in the public 
schools of his fatherland, and in the smiling book of nature, 
'where real knowledge teems to an intelligent eye. In 1880 
he emigrated to America, spent ten years in Ohio and Minne- 
sota, pursuing his chosen vocation, then journeyed to Wash- 
ington and located in Seattle. After a careful scrutiny of the 
country he engaged in floriculture and nursery, which occupa- 
tion he is following with notable ability. Mr. Sandahl is a 
man of business capacity as well as of scientific propensity, 
and honest and honorable. 

Samuel S. Langland. — Quiet of disposition but deep in 
thought, modest in demeanor but aggressive in argument. 
The above words unfold Mr. Langland's characteristic, an able 
lawyer of Seattle. He was born near Stavanger, Norway, 
August 13, 1856, and emigrated with his parents to Minne- 
sota in the spring of 1867. His early boyhood experienced 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 73 

the various hardships and vicissitudes incident to pioneer life. 
At the age of fifteen he launched out for himself, choosing as 
a means of support the apprenticeship of a tailor in Mancato, 
in which capacity he labored a year and a half. From whence 
he went to St. Paul, a stranger in an unwont sphere. English 
defied his tongue, but soon melted to his grasping intellect. 
He worked at his trade about two years, but to ascend to a 
higher stage of culture, he converted his energy to loftier 
aims, worked for his board and attended private school, 
paying for his tuition by doing janitor work, sweeping and 
keeping the schoolhouse in order. After two years of assidu- 
ous study in this institution, he entered the classical course 
of four years in the St. Paul High School which he completed 
in three. In the fall of 1881 he was matriculated in the same 
course at the state university, graduating with honor in June, 
1 885. At the commencement exercises he distinguished him- 
self by delivering the most thoughtful and eloquent oration 
of the class, his subject being "Is Man Advancing?" for 
which he received compliments from the faculty and leading 
men of the state present on that occasion. His struggles at 
the university with poverty symbolize an indomitable will. 
He toiled evenings and Saturdays sawing wood and doing 
other manual labor, his vacations were spent canvassing, or 
in the harvest field. After darkness comes sunshine, and the 
year following his graduation he was appointed professor of 
?!^nglish Literature in the Augsburg Seminary. In 1887 he 
studied law in St. Paul, was admitted to bar, and practiced 



74 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 75 



for sometime at Moorhead, Minnesota, where he made rapid 
progress, being nominated prosecuting attorney on the demo- 
cratic ticket, but as that party was in the minorit}' he went 
to defeat with the rest of the candidates. At Moorhead he 
was married to an estimable lady, Miss Esther Annette 
Hutchison, and in December of 1S90 moved to Puget Sound 
as an alternative to regain health and vigor. Since 1891 he 
has been practicing law in Seattle with growing promise, his 
specialty being real estate litigation. 

A. Lundberg. — The person of this sketch, the educated 
artificial limb manufacturer, A. Lundberg, was born in Kal- 
stad, Sweden, 1S47, where he received a good schooling and 
learned his benefactory profession. At the age of twenty-one 
he set sail for America, locating in Minneapolis, where he 
stayed until 1888, working at his trade. From whence he 
moved to Spokane, Washington, residing in that cit}- eight 
years. Seattle had attracted notice as an appropriate seat for 
a man of science and mechanical ingenuity, and thither he 
migrated in 1896, establishing his headquarters in Sullivan 
Building, First Avenue. Mr. Lundberg is the only artificial 
limb manufacturer in the state of Washington; he was edu- 
cated for this work in early youth and has followed it 
uninterruptedly. In many instances he has wrought out 
wondrous results, cured cases that defied medical science. He 
was married in Minneapolis, January 24, 1877, to a pleasant 
lady. Miss Anna Dahlgren. They have three children, 
Evalin, Denalda and Marie. 



76 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THP: PACIFIC. 




SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 77 

C. G. W. Anderson. — Men are destined for divers ave- 
nues, but a thoughtful man will follow the course of his 
inclination in the climax upward, and success will smile as 
he proceeds. Mr. C. G. W. Anderson seems to have incor- 
porated this maxim. He was born in Sweden, September 24, 
1S56, where he enjoyed the benefit of a good schooling and a 
healthy course in the curriculum of experience. At the age 
of twentj^-six he left his native soil for the New World, arriv- 
ing in the United States, April 24, 1880. After ten years of 
various employment in the eastern states he came to Seattle, 
engaging in hotel business on the corner of Terrace and Fifth 
Avenue, where the Anderson looms in emphasis of the propri- 
etor's energy. Mr. Anderson is a man of a genial disposition, 
social and affable and in all respects an honored citizen. 

Oscar Anderson. — A man of honor and integrity is a 
worthy adjunct to any community. Oscar Anderson belongs 
to this type which his career bespeaks. He was born in 
Karlskrona, Sweden, Januar}- 13, 1S59, where he received a 
thorough education in the public schools. From boyhood he 
showed talents attributive only to the soul of the genius. In 
1872 he entered the hardware business, but abandoned it after 
two years of experience to pursue the vocation of his forte — 
jewelry and mechanism. In 1S79 he engaged in business for 
himself which he continued successfully until 1893. During 
all these 3'ears he was employed by the Swedish navy mend- 
ing and adjusting the chronometers of the men-of-war. In 
1891 the Russian government engaged his ingenuity, and on 



78 SCANDINAVIANS UN THE PACIFIC. 











mn^'^itm 










OSlAll AMiI'.HSON 





SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 79 

one occasion he worked three days and three nights repairing 
the chronometers of the navy for which he received a remu- 
neration of 297 crowns. In 1892 he spent considerable time 
traveling in Denmark, partly for pleasure and partly for 
studying the conditions of the countrj-, Copenhagen being 
the center of interest where he enjoyed himself for a few 
months. The following year he sold out his business in 
Sweden and emigrated for America, locating in Seattle, a 
stranger in a strange country, but ere long his native "pluck" 
was manifested, and a fine establishment at 406 Pike street 
emphasizes his ingenuity and business ability. 

P. A. Hallberg. — Experience is the best teacher, a college 
course of mere theories gives little knowledge of the world. 
A course in fighting the billows of the deep, or wrestling with 
the stumps of the forest, is of more practical worth than a head 
crammed with deceased tongues, or theoretical airships. P. 
A. Hallberg corroborates my \-iew with his personal experi- 
ence. He was born in Skone, Sweden, 1867, and in his early 
teens sought the waves. He visited China and other oriental 
climes, faced the angr}- surges of Cape Horn, and dashed 
ashore at San Pedro, California, from whence he sailed north- 
ward, navigated for sometime as mate on Puget Sound, also 
served in the government marine. After years of sea-faring 
life lie turned his attention to terra firnia, located in Seattle 
and commenced new pursuits. He worked for three years in 
the Union Bakery, then spent sometime in a meat market, 
and in 1894 bought the Union Bakery, and four years later 



80 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE rAClFlC. 




SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLIC 



81 



removed to Second Avemn.', between Pike and Union, where 
he is doing a large business. Mr. Hallberg is a man wlio has 
won the respect of the people of Seattle by his integrit}' of 
character and straight business method. 

John Xogleberg, a gifted artist, i)ortrait, figure and land- 
scape painter, of Seattle, was born in Kongsberg, Norwa}', 




tirtmm> 



■P"""^"*»" 



T^ 




John Noi-.lkiieri.'s Sti-dio and Fink Aiit Stokk. 
(Five scpar.itc clep.irtiuciils.) 



82 SCANIUNAVIAXS ON THK PACIFIC. 




JOHK NooLKBHaO. 



SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 83 

February 21, 1861. He received a splendid education in his 
native country in music, science and art, and in iSSi emi- 
grated to America, locating in Chicago, where he studied at 
the Academy of Fine Art and at the Art Institute. After 
nine years of close application to liis chosen profession, he 
moved to Seattle, where he has the largest establishment of 
its kind west of Chicago, engaging constanth- a number of 
employees in the different departments. 

At the beginning of 1S99 he moved into his elegant 
building on Second Avenue, near Union Street, but from the 
present indication of business his beautiful apartments will 
soon prove too small. He is an athlete and an intense lover 
of nature. The soul of grandeur and sublimity seems to be a 
part of his being, which his masterpieces plainl3' reflect. He 
is fond of outdoor sport, fishing and hunting give him pleas- 
ant hours of recreation. He is an active member of the 
V. M. C. A., and a promoter of the Norwegian-Danish M. E. 
church. In a word, Mr. Nogleberg is a true gentleman as 
well as an artistic genius, being strictly temperance and of 
noble aims and integrity. 

Hans Hansen, manager of the Union Fish Company, and 
a man of indomitable will power, was liorn in Norway, July 
20, 1S59, where he laid his foundation for an active career. 
In 1881 he arrived in Minneapolis and six years later beheld 
the city of Seattle. He settled on a homestead in the Quil- 
layute valley, but returned to the Queen City after a few years 
of experience at farming. In 1S96 he was elected to the 



84 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



legislature, and became noted for his opposition to fish traps, 
and his earnest support of Hon. George Turner for United States 
senator. He has been a frequent contributor to the different 
papers on political and reform topics. In religion he is a 
Methodist. 




SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 

CHAPTER IV. 

SociKTiKS — Press — Puominknt Citizkns — Ciiuhciies. 

Scandinavians in Seattle have contributed largely to the 
social feature of life. They have organized a number of 
societies, some flourished immensely for sometime, then died 







t*?'^ 



^ t 



t3W .. :. ^^-^ 




IIIK IlAI/rit LotM.K. i »>. O. T., U.N A Pknic. 



a ^natural death, olhcr.s have continued to prosper through 
sun and storm. The Normanna Literary and Social Club 
was among the first Norwegian societies, but alas! only a few 



86 SCANDINAVIANS ON THK PACIFIC. 



daN'S of sunshine then clouds and dispersion. The Baltic 
Lodge, I. O. 0. T., was placed on record Februarj' lo, iSSS, 
and has since its birth drank vigor from the fountain of 
wholesome reform. In a word, it is the healthiest Scandina- 
vian societj' in the city of Seattle, and some of the members 
merit gratitude for their indefatigable work. G. Xj'gard, 
Gust. Thompson, Ole Finnoy, Martin Erickson, Ole Larscn, 
James Kggan, Anton Peters, H. H. Miller, Peter Peterson, 
\V. T. Hillcstad, A. Zaar, and Helle and Lena Kgge, Christina 
Newgard, Augusta and Lottie Stromberg, Mrs. Emma Eggan, 
Ida Peters and Matilda Iversou have sacrificed both time and 
energy for the advancement of the temperance cause. 

A Swedish society, baptized Svea, the 31st of May, 1894, 
had but a few struggles with the chilly world. The following 
j-ear it withered into oblivion unsung. NorduKcndenes Sang- 
forening (Norwegian Singing Society) was organized in 
Novemlier, the same j'ear, but soon gave signs of ephemeral 
existence. The Sagatun was born the year after, lingered on 
a narrow path for n while, finally fell into an innocent grave. 

The Swedish Club, organized in 1S92, is a healthy and 
vigorous society. From its embryo to the present time it has 
had a smooth run of sunshine and prosperity. It takes unity 
of hearts and energy to steer a social fleet through all sorts 
of weather from the tiny stream of embarkation into the calm 
sea of triumph. Tlic Swedish Club has accomplished this. 
The ol)ject of the organization is exclusively fraternal, to 
unite the Swedish elements in tlic city by friendly ties, and 



SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 87 

to extend a wanii hand to those coming within its reach from 
other cities or climes. The first officers were: H. E. Humer, 
Prest., Rudolph Aim, \'. Prest., David Petree, R. Sec, G. 
Edinholm, F. Sec, Andrew Chilberg, Treasurer, A. T. Lund- 
berg, Librarian, Hugo Hettengren, M. C. At its rift of morn 
onl}' thirty-two names smiled on the recording scroll, while 
now two hundred members in good standing bespeak its 
strength, with the following incumbent officers: J. M. John- 
son, Prest., N. J. Nyquist, \'. Prest., A. Zaar, R. Sec, H.J. 
Norden, F. Sec, N. B. Nelson, Treasurer, A. T. Lundberg, 
Librarian, J. Xyman, ^L C, and P. J. Melin, Otto Roseleaf 
and D. Nordstrom, Trustees. 

The Danish Brotherhood, a national league of high 
standard, aiming to benefit and to educate, found admission to 
Washington about eleven years ago. The Seattle Lodge 29, 
was organized April 8, 1888, with eleven chartered members, 
which now numbers one hundred and Hhy. The Danish 
Sisterhood, an auxiliary to the Danish Brotherhood, has taken 
steps in the right direction, working to sweeten and strengthen 
the ties of love and mutual amicability. 

The Norwegian Workingmen's society sprang into exist- 
ence about eight years ago, and lived through manj' scenes of 
joy and pathos, now flourishing, now trembling to its found- 
ation. Alas ! detonating meteors exploded within its laby- 
rinth and gloomy melanchol}' spread her black veil, an 
oratorical flower dropped here, and a declamatory bloom 
there, at last the tree of support shivered in chilly desolation, 
and withered into nothingness. 



88 



SfANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




a . 

3 K 



S 



SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. S9 



The Xorse Club, organized three j-ears ago, has reveled 
in healthy sunshine, and smiling tendrils have encircled its 
prop. The 17th of Maj', 1S99, bespeaks its culmination. 
Tlie celebration of Norwegian independence under its banner 
was a marked event among the Scandinavians. 

Thousands of people gathered at Madison Park, Seattle, 
from all parts of the Sound, to participate in perpetuating the 
memory of the Xorse heroes. Honor is due to the following 
gentlemen for launching and piloting this social ship into a 
haven of safet}- : H. P. Rude, C. IM. Thuland, Frank Oleson, 
Christian Bolgen, A. J. Thuland, A. H. Soelberg, B. A. 
Clausen, N. A. Christof, A. Scottness, Theodore Pederson 
and Julius Sunde. 

Fremad, the social wing of the Norwegian Lutheran 
church, has lived through many upheavals, and yet looks 
forward with unclouded eyes. The other Scandinavian 
churches have their inviting adjuncts, l)ut of more recent 
date, which tender valuable aids to their respective mothers. 

Scandinavians in Seattle have been fortunate in having 
men and women gifted and willing to make the social feature 
of life entertaining and successful. Of all the gaudy society 
flowers, no one merits more applause than the genial photo- 
grapher, James Eggan. He was born in ( )sterdalen, Norway, 
1872, came to America in 1S80, locating in the city of Minne- 
apolis. From boyhood he evinced unusual talent as a comed- 
ian and as an artist. He could have gathered jewels on the 
stage as well as in the photographic studio. In 18S9, he set 



90 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




) AMI •- I <.•. W 



SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 91 

out for the Pacific, aud after taking a survey of the picturesque 
Puget Sound, selected Seattle as his future abode. Though 
only a j-outh of seventeen, yet he soon invited the attention of 
the public in both the social and the artistic world. Not onl}- is 
Mr. Eggan possessed of natural endowments as a photographer 
and as a reciter, but is a true type of integrity and honesty. 

Ver3' few cities of three decades in the United States can 
boast of more short-lived Scandinavian newspapers than 
Seattle. The Scandinavian Publishing Company was the 
first on record, and issued two Scandinavian weeklies, viz., 
Vestra Posten and Washington Posten, which j-et live and 
thrive. This company dissolved, and from its dissolution 
sprang two others ; The Swedish Publishing Company, issu- 
ing Vestra Posten and a Norwegian concern of similar nature, 
publishing Washington Posten. 

Vestra Posten was founded by N. P. Lind and T. Sande- 
gren, and Washington Posten by Frank Oleson, assisted by 
Julius Sunde. The former is at present in the hands of N. 
G. Lind, J. W. Martin and A. Olson, who have raised the 
paper to a high standard. The latter is owned and edited by 
A. J. Thuland. C. M. Thuland, now lawyer, also gave heed 
to journalism. He turned out Seattle Tidende and The 
North, but both fell into an early tomb. 

Julius and Engward Sunde organized and published 
Fram, which blossomed and bore fruit, but one sad day it was 
stretched on a lazy bier and wheeled to the grave. Folke- 
tidende popped into existence about four years ago but through 



{•2 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 93 



some intrigue it died and was buried minus tears and cere- 
mony. Folkets Blad was the next of the ephemeral journals; 
it was born in 1899, lingered through a few sunny months, then 
swallowed, without pity, b^- Tacoma Tidende. 

Anent men of literary ability among the Scandinavians, 
George Bech, without doubt, stands in the first rank. He is 
a well-known author, musician and business man of Seattle, 
born in Roeskilde, Denmark, April 4, 1846. After finishing 
his education in the State School, 1S65, he was awarded 
the degree of A. M., and the following year took examin 
philosophicus. Ph. M., at the ITniversity of Copenhagen; 
studied mathematics for some time, then went into business, 
trading in Norwa\', Sweden and Germany, but alwa3's assidu- 
ously at work during leisure writing poems and novels for the 
different journals of Denmark and Norway. In the latter coun- 
try he made acquaintance with Olaf Lofhus, editor of " Berg- 
ens Tidende," to whose paper he frequently contributed, and 
Johan Sverdrup, then president of the National Storthing, in 
whose house he was a welcome guest. In 1S87 he left Copen- 
hagen, arriving in Seattle, August 22, where he found a rich 
field for his literary talent, for some time contributing to local 
and other papers, then editor of Folkedideude, and later 
Folkets Blad. He has written an cxcjuisite dramatic work, 
"Haeng Ham," and a song, "Old Glorious Glory," which he 
has also put to music. It is Mr. leech's ambition to liavc his 
song adopted as a national liynin. He was married in May, 
1880, and has one son, sixteen years old. 



94 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 



95 



Graebert Anderson, an eloquent ex-minister of the M. E. 
church, and a gifted writer, was born in Denmark, 1860. 










Norwegiaii-DaiiUli Lutheran Clinrch, St-nttU- 



96 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THK PACIFIC. 




li.h M. i; Church. Snillc. 



After gradiialing from the public schools, he spent some time 
in private study, with a view of entering some academj-, but 
instead of carrying out his plan, he left for America, when 
about eighteen years old. Shortly after his arrival in the 
New World, he commenced to prepare for the ministry of the 
M. E. church at the university in Kvanston, Illinois. Here 



SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 



97 




98 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THK rACIKlC. 



f 



I 



§ ^ 






nil il I Vil 

Jlrrik- 




SwftlUh llapliM Church. Snltle. 

he spent five years, then migrated to tlje Pacific, where he has 
been recognized as the most cloqnent pulpit orator among the 
Scandinavians on the coast, and has served as expounder of 
the gospel in the largest Norwegian-Danish churches, namely 
in Oakland and Kurcka, California, and Tacoma and Seattle, 



SCANDINAVIANS IN SEATTLE. 



99 




Norwegian-Danish Baptist Cluirch. Seattle. 



L.tfO. 



100 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

Washington. Two years ago he resigned from the ministry* 
to devote his time to journalism. In 1S89 he was married to 
Miss Lottie H. Christensen, a lady of fine education, a 
teacher in the public schools of Racine, Wisconsin. They re- 
side in Seattle, where Mr. Anderson is interested in newspaper 
business, being secretary of the Tacoma Tidcnde Publishing 
Company, with office in Coleman building, First Avenue, 
Seattle. 

Scandinavians have been liberal in their contributions to 
religious worship. Kight Scandinavian churches in the city 
of Seattle join to confirm this fact. The various denomina- 
tions are represented: Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, and 
Mission Friends. There are one Swedish and two Norwegian- 
Danish Lutheran churches, one Swedish and one Norwegian- 
Danish Baptist churches, one Swedish and one Norwegian- 
Danish Methodist churches, and one Swedish Mission church. 



SCANDINAVIANS IN BALLARD. 

CHAPTER V. 

Ballard merits the appellation, City of Smokestacks. No 
small town west of the Rocky has more factories. Saw mills 
and shingle mills are sending clouds of smoke into the air day 
and night, and brigades of industrious men are busil)^ en- 
gaged. The city has been regarded b}' many as a suburb of 
Seattle, but this is a misinterpretation. True, Ballard is near 
Seattle, and is connected to it by a well-equipped street rail- 
way, but has its own government. 

The first Scandinavian who touched Salmon Bay, half a 
mile below Ballard, was probably Peter Friberg. In 1875 
Gustaf Anderson pitched his tent on a green spot near the 
rippling water where he yet resides. He was born in Sweden, 
crossed the Atlantic in 1S64, and spent several years in Chicago 
before coming to the Pacific. He is a man of intelligence and 
holds a respectable rank among the people. Ole Schildstad, 
a native of Norway, and highly respected, arrived simul- 
taneously. 

In those early days Ballard was undreamt. The smoke 
which now curls above its bustle did not enter the calm of 
the pioneers' hearts. They were contented with the peregri- 
nation of daily necessity. Few Scandinavians then stalked 
the dense forest which clad the turf where five thousand 
people now dwell midst noise and progress, but to day over 
one thousand Vikings mingle in the various walks of life in 
the town. 



102 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




SCANDINAVIANS IN BALLARD. 103 

lohii Johnson, the leading merchant and an intelli- 
gent and honored citizen, is a native of Norway, being born 
March 26, 1862, midway between Trondhjem and Levanger, 
where he received his early education. At the age of ten he 
emigrated to America, locating at Muskegon, Michigan, 
attended the public schools three ^-ears, worked in a saw mill 
four vears, and clerked in a grocery store seven years. In 
1886 he launched into business for himself which he is pur- 
suing with marked success. During the same year he 
was married at Muskegon to a cultured young lady. Miss 
Magna Xelson, whose parents hail from Tromso, Norway. 
In 1S93 i\Ir. Johnson moved to Ballard and immediately 
embarked in grocery business. His large establishment and 
business method plainh' reflect his ability, and a multitudin- 
ous circle of friends bespeaks his generosity and integrity of 
charactpr. 

F'rank Engquist, the well-known merchant tailor of 
Ballard, was born in Sweden, 1861, received a fine education 
in his native country, and in 1SS2 crossed the Atlantic for 
the United States, settling at Moline, Illinois, where he 
remained one and a half years. His next journey was to 
Minneapolis, where he found employment in one of the largest 
tailoring establishments in the city. In 1SS8 he migrated to 
Seattle, Washington, and shortly after resumed his chosen 
occupation. He was attracted by the fascinating aspect of 
the Sound, and abandoned his business to try his hand at 
agriculture in Rolling Baj-. The gigantic trees and stubborn 



104 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




SCANDINAVIANS IN BALLARD. 105 

stumps plucked the laurels of his fanc}-, and iu 1896 started 
business in Ballard, where he is permanently located. Mr. 
Engquist is an expert workman, honest and intelligent, and 
what is still loftier, a perfect gentleman. 

P. E. Paulson, a genial business man, was born in Nor- 
way, 1S65. His father was a prominent educator, having 
been engaged in school work about forty years. Mr. Paul- 
son enjo)-ed the benefit of an excellent education, and in 1S82 
sailed for America, locating in Rock county, Minnesota. After 
two years of various occupation he arrived in Sioux Falls, 
South Dakota, where he stayed two years. The Pacific exer- 
cised a peculiar charm, and thither he emigrated, making 
Skagit valley his first stopping place, and afterward located in 
Ballard, where he now resides. Mr. Paulson is a leading 
member of the Foresters of America and other organizations. 
He is a man of a kind disposition, and universally respected. 

I. C. Olson is a true type of honesty and individual char- 
acter. He was born in Norway, and for years resided in 
Minneapolis. He came to the coast in 1893, settling in Bal- 
lard. In 1S98 he was elected to the legislature, where he 
distinguished himself as a man of integrit}' and sound 
judgment. 

Thomas Anderson is a rising grocer, and a prominent 
member of the Norwegian Baptist church. Revs. (). L. Hoieu 
and G. Berg are well liked and earnest ecclesiastics. Rev. 
Martin Berg is editor of Kongeriget and an eloquent advocate 
of Christian jirinciples. 



l(l« 



.SCANDINAVIAN;; UN TliLl i'AClilC. 




A Runlic Hnditr at Putnt Drfiancr I'nrk, Taconia. 



SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA. 

CHAPTKR VI. 

Tacoma, or the Cit}' of Destiii}-, is the second city in 
population in the State of Washington, and the first in natural 
grandeur. It is situated on fine terraces, commanding a 
beautiful view of Commencement Bay and the Sound for miles 
distance. Mt. Rainier, or Tacoma, towers over the city, and 
his head of snow and checkered bosom fills the soul with awe 
and wonder. 

Pride of the West, austere and grand. 

The noblest in Freedom's Land, 

To thee my soul is turning, 

In sapphire flames thou burning; 

Like spheres that walk the solar planes, 

Thy mellow blaze through heaven rains, 

Siren in cloudland high, 

Scene bewitching to my eye. 

How thy cheeks hang in a silvery glow ! 
Awful in look is thj' head of snow ; 
In thy face I read Heaven's mighty arm. 
The power of God that bids thee charm, 
A landscape rich in song and flowers. 
In rhyming pine and vocal bowers. 
In dancing ripples of laughing gold. 
In streams of music leaping bold. 



U)6 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




Scandinavians have made Taconia their stronghold, about 
lo.ocx) dwell within the city bonndarj'. Some rank among 
the most thrifty and highly esteemed citizens. They also 
bear the honor of being among the early pioneers who gave 



SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA. 109 



light and courage to subsequent settlers. Mrs. Fredric Meyer, 
a native of Norway, previously alluded to, was one of the first 
white women to alight in Pierce county. Anton Malm, born 
in Sweden, came to the coast in 1870, and mingled with the 
first pioneers of Tacoma. 

The Scandinavian business and professional men of Tacoma 
merit kind consideration. They have risen to prominence and in- 
vited the confidence and respect of all regardless of nation- 
ality. A biographical histor\^ of the most prominent confronts 
itself They are exemplary men, and their rise to affluence 
and influence in an honest, straightforward manner is worthy 
of emulation. 

Professor Olof Bull. — There are but few whose souls are 
imbued with divine strains. Music like poetry is born with 
a man. When Ole Bull was asked, " Who taught you to 
play so sweetly ?" he answered, " Norge's hole Fjeld og dybe 
Dale" (Norway's high mountains and deep dales). The name 
of Olof Bull is sj^nonymous to that of Ole Bull. The former 
came from Sweden, the latter from Norway. Prof. Olof Bull 
was born in Undersvik, Helsingland, Sweden, March 31, 
1852. His parents were Olof and Katarina Bull, his father 
is dead but his mother still lives. From early childhood he 
evinced extraordinary talent for music which was cultivated 
to a marked degree under A. Sorenson and other masters. In 
1869 he sailed for America, arriving in St. Paul, where he 
rapidly gained fame as a genius violinist. In 1S76 he organ- 
ized the "Olof Bull Concert Company" which scattered divine 



ini .SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




PKori«»(» Oi.or Bn.i. 



SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA. Ill 



music the land over, and rose to enviable reputation. In 1881 
he was appointed musical director of the Boston Opera, which 
he resigned in a year to accept the professorship of violin in 
the Chicago Musical College, where he remained until 1S90, 
when he journeyed to Tacoma to be installed as musical 
director of Tacoma Theatre, which chair he is filling with 
distinction. Professor Olof Bull is a genius as a violinist, 
and greater still a man of character, kind and compassionate. 
O. B. Selvig. — The esteemed cashier of the Metropolitan 
Bank of Tacoma, O. B. Selvig, was born near Drammen, Nor- 
way, in 1 85 1. He received a fine education, and at the age of 
seventeen bid farewell to his native seat for America, arriving 
in Kandiyohi county, Alinnesota, with his parents. Young 
Selvig, like others who come to a new country with scantv 
means, had to do his own rustling. He worked in different 
places at hard manual labor up to 1878, when he secured a po- 
sition in the postoffice at Willmar, and two years later received 
the appointment of postmaster, and shortly after became head 
agent for the American Express Company. He served faith- 
fully for seven 3-ears in this capacity, then resigned to accept 
a more lucrative employment in the Kandiyohi County Bank. 
In the fall of 1888 he migrated to Tacoma, Washington, and 
after cultivating acquaintance with influential men in the city, 
he was tendered a position in the Metropolitan Bank, and soon 
rose to cashier. Mr. Selvig is not only a man of business, l)ut 
of honor as well ; one beloved and respected by all. 



112 



SCANDINAVIANS UN THE PACIFIC. 



^^% 








""^iS^^^ /^H 


Il^ 


0- 


P" 


H K Knatvolp. 





SCANDINAVIAN'S IN TACU.MA. 113 

H. E. Knatvold. — In the fall of 1892, the Scandinavian- 
American Bank of Tacoma was organized, with a capital stock 
of $100,000, raised partly in Tacoma and partly in the east. 
H. E. Knatvold, well known in business circles, was elected 
cashier and general manager of the institution. He was born 
in Drammen, Norway, September 3, i84<S, w-here lie obtained 
his early education. At the age of fourteen he sailed with his 
parents for the United States, settling in Freelom county, 
Minnesota. He engaged in farm work, and spent his leisure 
studying, thus acquiring a fair knowledge of English. At the 
age of twent3'-one he removed to Albert Lea, where he secured 
a clerkship in a store. To prepare himself to cope more 
efficiently with the surges of the world, he relinquished his 
position to take a course in Western College, Iowa, and shortly 
after embarked in hardware business in Albert Lea. In 1884 
he crossed the Rocky for the Pacific, locating in Tacoma. He 
engaged in farming and real estate which he followed success- 
fully until 1892, when he was ushered into the chair of cash- 
ier in the Scandinavian- A uierican Bank, which position he has 
filled with credit ever since. Mr. Knatvold is a man of honor 
and energy. 

Dr. C. Quevli. — It is a conceded fact that C. Quevli, of 
Tacoma, is one of the most highly learned doctors on the Pa- 
cific. He was born in Blakjer, Norway, June 24, 1864. When 
six years old he left his fatherland with his parents for 
America, locating in Jackson county, Minnesota, where he re- 
ceived the education that the common schools could afford, then 



114 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




»J.i- l..l> J 



?'^8SPIflH|B 




I A * 



On. C. UUBVLI. 



SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA. 115 

took a course at St. Olof s College, Northfield, afterward en- 
tered thd State University of Minnesota, where he graduated 
with the degree of M. D. He launched into a sucsessful prac- 
tice at Lamberton, Minnesota, but his soul was thirsting for 
more knowledge, and to satisfy this he sailed for Christiania 
Norway, where he took a post-graduate course. On returning 
to the United States he selected Tacoma for his future abode 
Here he practiced three years, then returned to Europe to 
continue his studies at the University of Berlin, from whence 
he crossed the channel to England, and took a post-graduate 
course in Kings College and Hospital of London. Afterward 
he traveled in France and other European countries before 
voyaging to America. Dr. C. Quevli is a physician of enviable 
reputation, but that is not all; he is a gentleman beloved and 
honored. 

Empires rise to fall again. 

But truth and love never die; 

Greater the man with sunshine in his soul, 

Than kings who woo the fading star of fame. 

Dr. J. L. Rynuing. — The well-known doctor and pro- 
fessor of physiology in the Pacific Lutheran University, J. L. 
Rynuing (formerly Dr. J. L. Jensen), of Tacoma, has gained 
friends and eminence in his chosen profession. He was born 
in Iowa, 185S, of Norwegian parents, who removed to the 
frontier of Minnesota while he was an infant of one j-ear. 
Young Rynning did not enjoy the opportunities that most 



116 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE I'ACIFIC. 




I>ll J I.. kVMI>lll(l. 



SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA. 117 

boys have. The schoolhouse was unknown to him until ten 
years of age. When time offered a rural schooling he took 
advantage of it as preparation for the public school of Rush" 
ford, later studied at the academy of Madison, Wisconsin, and 
Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. He had a whim for the 
West, and migrated to Montana where he engaged in school 
work. Mines, too, invited his notice, and during his vacation 
of 1889 held the superintendency of a silver mine in Mon- 
tana. Mining, however, was abandoned for a more profes- 
sional career, and in 1892 graduated from Rush Medical 
College in Chicago with the degree of Medicinae Doctor, M. 
D. Immediately after graduation he located at Butte, Mon- 
tana, where he practiced for sometime. In 1S93 he was 
married in Minnesota to Miss Marie Ellertson, a lady of fine 
training, and took a wedding trip to the Pacific. He foresaw 
the great future of the country, and removed to Stanwood, 
Washington, to follow his profession. When the Lutheran 
University was established at Parkland, he removed toTacoma 
to tender his aid to the institution. In this city he is perma- 
nently located, encircled with a multitude of friends. Dr. 
Rynning is a man of heart as well as ability, honest, kind 
and sympathetic. 

Eric Edw. Rosling. — Taconia has reason to feel proud of 
the personage of my pen, Eric Edw. Rosling, one of the ablest 
lawyers on the coast. He was born in Stockholm, Sweden, 
March 3, 1865, ^^^ '^ame to Boston with his parents while a 
young boy. From infancy he displayed extraordinary talents, 



118 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA. 119 



which subsequent j-ears have made more realistic. After 
acquiring a liberal education he entered the Boston University 
Law School, where he graduated with honors, completing a 
three years course in two. In 1S90 Mr. Rosling arrived 
in Tacoma and at once manifested the same tireless energy 
which characterized his success at college. As a lawver he 
has but few equals, his logical and oratorical endowments 
make him especially fit for tlie eminent profession he is pur- 
suing. He is a man of literary taste and studious habit 
which his large law and private libraries join to emphasize. 
In 1897 he was appointed by the Supreme Court of Wash- 
ington as chairman of the committee to examine applicants 
for admission to the bar. In politics he is a republican, but 
has refused to accept any political office save the office of 
city prosecuting attorney during Huson's administration. 
Twice he has been elected to the board of education and has 
filled with distinction its presidential chair. His deep interest 
in educational and church work has made him a valuable 
factor throughout the Pacific. His oration at the Willamette 
Chautauqua Assembly, Oregon City, in July, 189S, and his 
address at the National Educational Association, Los Angeles, 
1899, placed him before the nation as an eloquent speaker and 
a finished scholar. He was married at Tacoma, December 12, 
1890, to Miss Minnie Belle Lincoln, an accomplished lady of 
Boston. The}' have tliree children and a beautiful home in 
the finest part of the city. 

J. M. Arntson. — Self-made men, as a rule, become the 



120 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




J. M. AKitTaun 



SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA. 121 

* 



leaders in a free countr3' where ability shines with unclouded 
luster. The individual in question, J. M. Arntson, a rising 
lawyer of Tacoma, is a representative of this class. He was 
born on a farm in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, 1858, where 
his parents, Johannes and Mekaline, settled in 1844, they being 
among the first Norwegian emigrants to that part of the state. 
When eight years of age his parents removed to the central 
part of Minnesota where they engaged in general merchan- 
dise business. Here young Arntson was reared and trained 
for a mercantile career, his education was obtained in the 
public schools and by private instruction. He was married 
at Willmar, Minnesota, 1882, to Miss Annie M. Olson, a lady 
of heart and character, and the ne.'^t 3'ear joined the army of 
homeseekers, attracted to the shores of Puget Sound, and 
settled in Tacoma, Washington. Since coming to this city 
he has been engaged in various pursuits, first grocery 
then real estate. From youth he had possessed an inclin- 
ation for law, and to yield to his forte, he closed out his 
business, and devoted his whole time to legal acquirements. 
In 1894 he was admitted to bar, and immediatel}' embarked 
in practice which has constantly grown more promising. In 
189S he received the appointment as clerk of police court, and 
in connection with the duties of his office continues a lucra- 
tive practice. Though Mr. Arntson was born and raised in 
America, yet he has been a warm friend of tlie Norwegians, 
always ready to extend a helping hand when needed. He is 



l-2'_' 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA. r23 

delighted with Norwegian literature, being conversant witli 
social and political problems. 

Gustaf Lindberg, a representative business man of Taco- 
ma, was born in Vennland, Sweden, November 22, 1S65, 
received a careful education, and at the age of fourteen 
embarked in business as clerk in his native place. In 188 1 he 
chose the national capital of Sweden for his abode, where he 
obtained a clerkship with the firm of C. A. Schweder. Being 
of studious nature and industrious habit, he worked faithfully 
during day, and attended school during evening, thus 
acquiring a store of useful learning and applicable expe- 
rience. In 1889 he left the land of his birth for America, 
locating in Tacoma, where he found employment with the gro- 
cer}- firm of Forbes & Wose. After two years of service with this 
company, he joined his brother John in the grocery business, 
now a leading establishment on the corner of Eleventh and 
G Streets. Mr. Lindberg is a prominent factor in the Swedish- 
Lutheran church and a worthy member of the Tacoma Cham- 
ber of Commerce, and in all respects an honored citizen and 
a true gentleman. 

S. Samson. — For being a young man few have displayed 
steadier habits and more business capacity than the congenial 
proprietor of the People's Hotel and Restaurant, 913 Pacific 
Avenue, Tacoma. He w^as born in Ostra Torsa, Kronoberg, 
Sweden, November 29, 1869, where he enjoyed the training 
of splendid school facilities. In 1888 he crossed the storms- 
Atlantic, and selected Tacoma for his permanent location. 



124 



SCANDINAVrANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA. 125 

During his early time in the New World he shared the vicis- 
situdes of circumstances, ever converting his leisure to useful 
acquirements. The language was foreign to him, b;it being 
of docile aptitude this obstacle did not long impede his pro- 
gress, soon he could handle the English tongue with ease and 
fluency. Business seemed to be his forte, which he embarked 
in some years ago and has followed with marked success. 
He is a member of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce and 
owns considerable real estate in the city. Mr. Samson has 
always been awake to the interest of the Pacific, and especially 
his own town. He is a worthy citizen and enjoys the respect 
of the people. 



SCAXDINA\'IAXS IX TACOMA. 

CHAPTER Vn. 

Societies — Press — Prominent Citizens — Churches. 

A number of Scandinavian societies have sprung into 
existence in Taconia the last two decades. The X'alhalla, a 
Swedish fraternal and beneficial organization, was tlip first 
that blossomed into pros|>erity. It was organized December 
15, 1S84, with G. F. Linquist, president, H. Xj-man, vice- 
president, H. Ohlin, secretary, \V. P. Sundberg, treasurer, R, 
Bomen, financial secretary, Charles Berg, master of ceremony. 
Only few signed the constitution at its earlj- launching, but 
has gradually increased in membership to 125 in good stand- 
ing. A praise-worthy band, known as the " Swedish \'alhalla 
Military- Band," was founded by the society to grace its work 
with sweet music. 

The Xorwegians organized a lodge of similar nature as 
the Walhalla, baptized. The Ancient (^rderof Vikings, which, 
too, embarked with a handful of supporters, but through per- 
severance and wise management bloomed into one of the best 
Norwegian societies in the state. The aim of this compact is 
broad and laudable, being like that of the I. C). (). K., or other 
secret organizations of high standard. The \"ikings was born 
in 1S92 with the following hard workers in the lead: John 
Blaauw, Thomas Knudson, G. O. Sande, Ed. Haug and Sam 
Hang. 



SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA. 127 

The Danish Brotherhood was instituted in March, 18S9 
with fifteen members, and has flourished these years remark- 
abl}'. At present it has sixt}- on the roll, with a flowery 
adjunct, the Danish Sisterhood, which has tendered the 
fraternal order kind assistance. 

Haabet, a Norwegian literary society, has grown in vigor 
and number, and is proving valuable to literary culture. The 
incumbent officers are: Con. Bjorklund, Prest., Jacob SHppern 
\'. Prest., H. Hansen, Sec, John Blaauw, Treasurer, G. O. 
Sande, Librarian, Hans Tokelsen, Editor. 

The Norden, I. O. G. T., founded in early days, wrought 
out man}- disagreeable obstacles, and planted seeds of moral 
purity, but the panic of recent years scattered the prop of sup- 
port to the four wings of the world, and the pretty flowers that 
wont to grace the hall found pleasure in other spheres. Week 
after week the lodge trembled on flirting arms, which little by 
little gave heed to other diversions, and death on wool}' wings 
devoured the civilizing factor. 

The Scandinavian Temperance Society lived through 
many years of gnawing resistance. From it floated mighty 
words of wholesome advice, but friends of the alcoholic hell, 
robed with smiling garbs of infernal warp, plucked the sweet 
blooms of future hope, and planted in their souls the stings of 
ruin. As days wore away, the poisonous influence from the 
saloon den bewitched the sprightly stripling and the hoary 
hair, and the temperance workers, the noblest of heroes, were 



128 SCANDINAVIANS UN THE i'AClI-lC. 



too few to feed the fire of interest, and the organization withered 
and died. 

The Scandinavian press, of Tacoma, is growing into pop- 
vilarity. The first Scandinavian newspaper on record in the 
city was, "Tacoma Budstikken," a Norwegian-Danish weekly, 
founded in December, 1899, by P. O. Bergan, but enjoyed only 
a short period of sunshine. The Tacoma Tidende was launched 
Julj^ 5, 1S90, and ripened into a Norwegian-Danish state paper. 
From infancy it was in the hands of Dirk Blaauw who bid fair 
at journalism, but a jear ago it was transferred to his brother 
John who has steeped it with journalistic fire, comparing in 
merit with the big eastern weeklies. It takes a man of a con- 
genial nature, abilitj' and "push" to make journalism a success, 
and these qualities manifest themselves every day in the 
editor of Tacoma Tidende. 

John Blaauw was born in Bergen, Norway, 1S68, but 
when an infant of two years he went with his parents to 
Christiania, where he resided till he reached the age of seven- 
teen, save two and a half years he spent in Edinburgh, Scot- 
land. In 1SS7 he emigrated to America, making Seattle his 
destination. Right after the great fire he embarked in Scan- 
dinavian journalism, and has practically followed it ever 
since. 

No man is better informed of the condition and natural 
resources on the Pacific coast than Editor John Blaauw. Ik- 
has traveled in every county from British Columbia to the 
Golden State. He has made Tacoma Tidende an honor to 



SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA. 



129 




John Blaaiw. 



130 SCANDINAVIANS ON THK PACIFIC. 

the coast and a valuable source of information to thousands of 
people throughout the United States. He is of a genial dis- 
position, kind and serviceable. Though alwaj-s busy, yet glad 
to receive visitors, and willing to impart all possible knowledge. 
Much of his time is consumed in replying to letters concern- 
ing the Pacific country. 

Tacoma Tribunen, a Swedish weekl}' of considerable merit, 
was brought to light in April, 1890, by the Swedish Publish- 
ing Company. T. Sandegren was installed as editor, and has 
ever since filled the chair with credit. 

T. Sandegren was bom near Halmstad, Sweden, in 1^58, 
where he enjoyed the benefit of a good common school educa- 
tion. At the age of twentj' he graduated from Lund College, 
and three years later took the degree of A. B. at the Univers- 
ity of Lund. Journalism was his forte which he embarked 
immediately after graduation. In 1883 he crossed the At- 
lantic for the United States, locating in Minnesota, where he 
obtained a position as teacher in the Military School at Fort 
Snelling. In 1889 he migrated to Seattle, and in company 
with N. P. Lind organized \*estra Posten. The following year 
he was appointed editor of Tacoma Tribunen, and three years 
later assumed the ownership of the paper, which he is con- 
ducting with marked ability. 

The Pacific Herold, edited by E. Bernim, is a pleasing 
journal, published at the Pacific Lutheran University. Mr. 
Herrum has had years of experience in the journalistic field. 



SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA. 



131 




■^r^mi^i,'^ 



T. Sandi:<:kbn. 



132 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



For half a decade or more he represented "Skandinaven" 
on the Pacific. 

A word concerning Scandinavian churches may not be 
out of place at this point. In spite of a new country and 
adverse circumstances, nine of them pierce the air of the 
City of Destiny. There are three Lutheran churches, 
two Norwegian-Danish, and one Swedish; two Methodist 
churches, one Norwegian-Danish, and one Swedish; two Bap- 
tist churches, one Scandinavian and one Swedish; a Swedish 
Mission church, and a Scandinavian Free church. 

To the south of Tacoma smiles the village of Parkland, 
the stronghold of the Norwegian Synod, where the Pacific 
Lutheran University stands as a pride to the place. 



-1. 



»•■■ 



Pacific Lvtiibiian t'ltivaMiTV. 



The aim of the institution is to give thorough instruction 
iu ilic various branches taught in the public schools and 



SCANDINAVIANS IN TACOMA. 



133 



academies, includiug science, art aud music. It is operated 
under the banner of the Norwegian Lutheran Synod, and 
sound Christian principles are made the basis of all the work. 
Rev. B. Harstad may be rightly called the "Father of the 
Institution," and Prof. N. J. Hong deserves the appellation 
"Faithful Manager." 




SCANDINAVIANS IN KVKRETT. 

CHAHTKR \ III. 

P^ew cities during the short longevity of eight years have 
blossomed like Everett. In 1891 it sprang into life midst the 
greatest of stir and excitement, and has ever since enjoyed the 
presence of healthy sunbeams and steady prosperity. Everett 
is the county seat of Snohomish count)', spread over a pleas- 
ant stretch of land between Snohomish river and a beau- 
tiful bay of the Sound, affording an excellent fresh water 
harbor and an equally laudable salt-water haven. 

The city has a population of about eight thousand, many 
of whom are Scandinavians. John Brue was among the early 
pioneers, and one of the founders of the Norwegian Lutheran 
church located at that place. F'or \ears he was engaged in 
business in Elverett, but disposed of his interests to take 
possession of a nice farm near Stanwood. 

T. T. Enger, a bright business nuui, merchant tailor, 
was also one of the first to establish himself in the embryo 
city. He was born in Hoff, Sotor, Norway, 1864, but moved 
with his parents to Aasnes when one and a half years of age, 
where he received his early education, graduating from the pul>- 
lic schools at fifteen. His father, also, T. T. Enger, was a prom- 
inent citizen and manager of H. Schulze's estate, the largest 
in that part of Norway. Young Enger left his native seat for 
Christiania to leani the tailoring trade, and in 1S82 emigrated 
to America, arriving at Madison, Wisconsin. September 22, 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



135 




136 SCANDlNAVlA.NtJ IN EVERETT. 



where he remained two years working at his trade. His next 
move was to Minneapolis, and in 1S9; migrated to the Pacific, 
settling in Seattle, Washington. Shortly after his arrival he 
was married to Miss Maria Olson, a worth}' lady of Xorse 
ancestry. The transient fame of Anacortes startled the 
country, and thither Mr. Kiiger went to engage in business, 
but in January, 1892, sold out and removed to Everett, where 
he is conducting a fine tailoring establishment. Mr. Enger 
is a man of energy and "push," reliable and respected. He 
is a prominent member of the Knights of Pj-thias, and holds 
notable standing in the republican party. 

Few men have passed through the trials that L. P. Elvrum 
has, the genial landlord of Everett. He was born in Stordalen. 
near Trondjem, Norway, 1858, where he received a good edu- 
cation. At the age of nineteen he went to sea, and was dashed 
uninterruptedly on the pitiless waves for four years. Three 
times he weathered the North Cape. In 1881 he sailed for 
America, spent one year in Minnesota, then journej-ed to the 
Pacific, settling at Stanwood, Washington. He sought the 
forest for employment, worked four years at logging, then 
embarked in general merchandise in Silvana, and immediately 
received the appointment of postmaster. In 1889 he was mar- 
ried to Miss Martha lieck, an estimable ladj- of Cedarhome. 
When Everett commenced to bespeak business prospects, Mr. 
Elvrum sold out his interests at Silvana and went thither to 
start a hotel. He is the proprietor of the " North Star," one 
of the most respectable taverns in the city. Mr. Elvrum is a 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 137 




138 SCANDINAVIANS IN EVERETT. 



man of business nature, social and congenial, honest and a 
true gentleman. He has had manj' ups-and-downs, but his 
motto has been, " Try and continue trying and you will suc- 
ceed at last." A motto that ever}' man ought to drink into 
his soul for ready application in the various turns of life 

There are also other Scandinavians in Everett who shine 
in business and social circles. A. O. Solberg is a leading 
jeweler, and O. Alseth a genial clerk and a popular member of 
the Lutheran church ; Martin Dahl is a well-known merchant 
tailor, and J. A. Johansen a progressive grocer. 

Everett has within its limit two Scandinavian churches, a 
Norwegian Lutheran, previouslj' alluded to, and a Scandinav- 
ian Methodist, which was built in 1893. Rev. P. M. Ellefsen, 
a Methodist missionarj', visited Everett, 1892, and the follow- 
ing year organized a congregation of ten members which now 
numbers thirty. Rev. O. Heggen was the first appointed 
minister to occupy the pulpit, who was succeeded by the elo- 
quent Rev. O. O. Twcde. 

.•\ Young Peoples' Society was organized some years ago 
which has grown healthy and vigorous ; at present it has a 
membership of forty. 

Among the leading members of the Methodist congrega- 
tion we find E. A. Olson, Swede, L. Carlsen, A. Thompsen, 
H. llelgesen, and Mrs. H. Helgesen, Norwegians. 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



139 



/ 



/ XV.-. 







SCAXDIXAXIAXS AT STAXWOOD. 

CHATTER IX. 

Stanwood is the largest Scandinavian community in the 
State of Washington, situated in Snohomish county, on a 
delta-like angle, where the Skagit and the Stillaguamish rivers 
meet to mingle their blue volumes. A navigable tongue of 
the Sound ripples up the flat, where daily steamers gracefully 
ride for the proud city. To the east and west from this thriv- 
ing villa a panorama of inexhaustible fertility spreads out be- 
fore your eye, dotted with quaint dwellings, here and there 
flecked with rich orchards, and slowly sweeps up forming what 
is generally termed highland, where a Swedish colony smiles 
with flowery gardens and beautiful farms. 

Stanwood compares in magnitude and importance with 
the eastern Scandinavian settlements, but differs vastly from 
them in spirit. Here is more life, more freedom, and English 
the prevailing language, especially among the younger folks. 

In 1S70, the time that Eller Graham, a native of Norway, 
disembarked at the mouth of Skagit river, a white man was a 
curiosity. Doubtless Graham was the first Scandinavian to 
seek the wilderness for a nestling place, though it is probable 
that Martin Toftezen, who landed on W'hidbej- Island twelve 
years prior, had made a recounoissance of both Skagit and 
Stillaguamish rivers. 

Sivert Guligson Brekhus threw anchor where the Stilla- 
guamish disembogues its waters, 1S73, but made his pernia- 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



141 











r • 

* i 






N. P. I.KUUE. 





142 SCANDINAVIANS AT STANWOOD. 

nent habitation ten miles up the river. Two years later O. B. 
Iverson made his appearance as government survej-or, and al- 
most simultaneoush' N. P. Leque, Nils Eide and A. Danielson 
landed in fair-sized canoes. These pioneers had the sagacitj- 
and foresight to unfold the future, and bought three hundred 
acres of land together. The first named, O. B. Iverson, was 
elected to represent Snohomish count}- in the territorial legis- 
lature, where his keen intellect made palpable impressions. 
He now resides in Olympia, and is an active member of the 
government surveying staff. 

N. P. Leque is a highlj' respected citizen, a gentleman in 
the true sense of the word. He was born in Kinservik, Har- 
danger, Norway, May S, 1848, but moved with his parents to 
Ulvik when two j-ears old. After receiving a good common 
school education, he entered the normal school in Voss, where 
he graduated with honor in 1865. The following 3-ear he en- 
gaged in teaching, but abandoned it after two j-ears of success- 
ful experience. The nth of April, 1868, he was married to 
Miss Maria Lindebrekke, a lady of fine intellect and noble 
aims, and the same year sailed for America, settling at \'cr 
million, Clay count\-. South Dakota, where he embarked in 
farming. The smiling Pacific created a desire for another 
journey, and July 31, 1S75, he paraded the streets of Tacoma, 
with his family. He made a perambulation of the country, 
and in 1S76 located on a beautiful island, which bears his 
name. 

In 1SS6 he was elected county commissioner, ser\-ed with 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 143 

distinction for two years, and declined renomiuation. He has 
been and is a valuable member of the Lutheran church of 
Stanwood, and has always sought to enhance the best interests 
of the community, morally and otherwise. For sometime he 
has been president of the Stanwood Co-operative Creamery. 

Peter Leque, a close relative of N. P. Leque, is doubtless 
one of the most popular Scandinavians on the Pacific coast. 
He was born in Norway, but came to America in his earl}- 
years, and received a fine education in the common 
schools and at the State University of Washington. Ever 
since 1875 he has resided on Leque Island, hard bj'^ Stanwood. 
He is a man of a grasping mind and elevated thoughts, a hard 
worker and a faithful representative of the common people. 
A man that the public has picked out to fill responsible posi- 
tions on the merit of honesty and ability. In 1888 he was 
elected count}- surveyor, in 1892 county assessor, and in 1894 
county auditor. 

O. K. Melby, proprietor of Melby Hotel, and a man of 
intelligence and fine training, has shared the struggles of 
pioneer life. He was born in Norway, came to the coast 1S75, 
made a visit to Stanwood, and the following year located in 
the embryo villa permanently, being the first Scandinavian to 
engage in hotel business in this part of the state. 

John Brygger, A. J. Brne, Peter Gunderson, Christian 
Joergensen, Martin Larson, Iver Egge, C. Toftezen, L. T. 
Land, O. J. Finley, Ole Ryan, Thomas Brue and John Brue 
are among the early settlers and the most prominent citizens. 



1-14 



SCANDINAVIANS IN STANWOOD. 



They are all independent farmers and potent factors in the 
upbuilding of the country. 

The Norwegian Lutheran church of Stanwood is the 
oldest of the Lutheran churches on Puget Sound. It was 





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NoKW'KIilAM Ll'TIIKHAX ClIUKCII OF SfAIIWI»l>. 

organized twenty-three years ago by Rev. L. Carlson, and has 
enjoyed the services of Revs. Kniil Christensen, P. Isberg 
and C. Joergcn.sen. At present it is in charge of Rev. L. C. 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



145 



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146 SCANDINAVIANS IN STANWOOD. 



Foss who has done much for Christianity and the Lutheran 
doctrine. He is a friend of the young people as well as of 
the old, the guiding spirit of the Young People's Society and 
a talented musician. 

The Norwegian Singing Society is the pride of the com- 
munity, and has scattered laurels of accomplishment along 
the Sound. On many occasions it has been called to Seattle 
and other places to cheer and entertain the people with sweet 
melodies. 

The progress and success of the Scandinavian business 
men of Stanwood are well known. S. A. Thompson's estab- 
lishment affords credit to the town, and Knud Knudson's 
drug and jewelry store compares nicely with similar concerns 
in the larger cities. li. Willard, the popular dairyman, hails 
from Denmark. His energy and keen intellect have always 
been at willing option for the good of his adopted country. A. 
Tackstrom, the genial postmaster, was born in Sweden, and 
has been of practical usefulness to his city. Kdward Foss 
traces his birthplace to Norway, but has resided for years in 
Stanwood. He is a mechanic by trade, and a gentleman in 
demeanor. H. C. Anderson, the wealthy Klondiker, who re- 
sides near the city, is a conspicuous factor, especially in agri- 
cultural developments. The genial photographer, J. T. 
Wagness, has gained a standing among the people as a man 
of ingenuity in his chosen profession. Biographical sketches 
of men who have worked themselves up in an honorable way 
would d()uV)tlcss be of interest to the readers. Such men as 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



147 




148 SCANDINAVIANS IN STANWOOD. 

S. A. Thompson, Kmid Knudson, and others merit a place 
among the most prominent Scandinavians on the Pacific coast. 

S. A. Thompson was born in Norway, 1S64, where he 
received a splendid school education. In 1S80 he arrived in 
America, locating at Storj' City, Iowa, remaining two years, 
then chose Moorhead, Minnesota, for his habitation. After a 
stay of four years in this city he migrated to Holdstead in the 
same state where he spent two years. Up to this time Mr. 
Thompson had been engaged in sundry occupations, clerking 
and manual labor, always devoting his leisure to the acquire- 
ment of an education. In iSSS he landed in Stanwood, and 
immediately embarked in business. For sometime he was 
connected with shingle mills, entered Irvine's store, clerked 
five years, and May i, 1895, assumed possession of the whole 
firm. Mr. Thompson is a man of genial nature, kind and 
social, at the same time energetic, which his business career 
plainly emphasizes. 

Knud Knudson, the gifted jeweler and drug merchant, 
was born in Modum, Norway, 1864. After learning the 
watchmaking trade, he sailed for America, arriving in X'alley 
City, North Dakota, 1885, where he worked at his trade one 
year. He was touched by reports from Casclton, packed 
together his effects and moved thither, engaged in business 
for two years, then took another trip, viz., to Chaml)erlain, 
South Dakota, but one and a half years sufficed at this place. 
Washington was now the absorbing question, and in 1890 
located in Stanwood, and established the first jewelry store 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 149 




15(1 



RCANDIXANIANS IN STANWUUD. 



in the city. In 1896 he launched into drug business in con- 
nection with his alreadj' lucrative engagement. Mr. Knudson 
is a leading business man, always busj* and attentive, reliable 
and respected. 

N. M. Lien is one of the typical Norwegians on the 
Sound — honored and intelligent — wealthy and conscientious. 
He came to America in 1S66, spent eleven years in Minne- 




Rbsiokrck op N. M. Libm. 



sota, twelve j'ears in North Dakota, then journeyed to Suin- 
wood, Washington. He owns a magnificent farm, running 
pretty nigh into the heart of the city, golden with waving 
cereals and smiling flowers, and spreads out in an easterly 
direction. 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



151 



Olaf Rj'djord is a lucrative farmer, one and a half miles 
up Stillaguamish river from Stanwood. He was born in 
Norwaj', came to Stanwood, 1890, with little or no means. 
Now he possesses a beautiful farm, and ranks among the 
prosperous Scandinavians. He is also a man of honor and 
ambition. 






^ 














^wSSbu 



RHSIOKNCK <>T OT.AF K^I'JOKI). 



One of the most laudable institutions in Snohomish 
county is the Stanwood Co-operative Creamery, it bespeaks 
the thrift and standard of the farmers. This enterprise orig- 
inated with Rev. C. Joergensen, who deserves the applause 
of the whole community for his indefatigable energy. Mr. 
Joergensen is an ex-minister of the Lutheran faith, armed 



152 



SCANDINAVIANS IN STANWoOI*. 




SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 153 




154 SCANDINAVIANS AT STANWOOD. 

with a liberal education and divers experience. He held the 
presidency of the Stanwood Co-operative Creamery until his 
election as commissioner of Snohomish county. 

The Stanwood Co-operative Creamery has carried away 
many honors since 1S95, the date of its commencement. It 
took the first prize, 1896, at the County Fair of Pierce county, 
held in Tacoma, also the first prize in Ellensburg, 1898, at 
the State Dairy Association. The output of butter has grad- 
ually increased, at present averaging about eighteen thousand 
pounds per month. 

D. G. Bennie, jr., manager of the Stanwood Co-operative 
Creamery, has engraved his good will on the hearts of the 
community. His business methods are commendable, em- 
phatic of honesty and ability. He was born in Boston, Mas- 
sachusetts, December 14, 1866, came to the Pacific coast, 1885, 
embarked in logging and farming, and in the spring of 1898 
he was elected to his present position, which he has filled with 
entire satisfaction. 

M. O. Coltom, superintendent of the butter-making depart- 
ment, is a worthy gentleman, who has filled his calling with 
credit to himself and the association. He was born in Toten, 
Norvvaj', forty-three years ago, came to America, 1866, and to 
the coast, 1.SS7. He has been connected with the creamery 
since its infancy, and has always been vigilant to the best 
interests of the enterprise. John Lund, also a native of Nor- 
way, has been a faithful assistant to Mr. Coltom, for years he 
has served in his present capacity with honor. 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



155 

















M. O. Coi.TOM. 





156 SCANDINAVIANS AT STAN WOOD. 

Stanwood is surrounded by thrifty Scandinavian farmers, 
the earliest have already been mentioned. Some of the more 
recent who have added laurels to agriculture are: Ole Naas, 
Peter Peterson, T. K. Logan, O. Alseth, Anton F. Anderson, 
Otto Coltoni, Oluf, John and Gunder Otterson, Engbret 
Olson, Peter Holte, X. B. Thomle, Louis Christiansen and 
others. 

Stanwood, as stated before, is largel}- populated with 
Scandinavians; in addition to the number previously noted 
we find manj' good citizens, namely : Herman Hafstad, con- 
nected with the Stanwood Hardware Company, Carl Ryan, 
clerk in Eureka Grocery, Fred Ryan, clerk in Thompson's 
store. Peter O. Wold and Ivar Opdal are representative Nor- 
wegians, well liked and respected. Bert Gunderson is an 
intelligent young man ; the members of the Norwegian Sing- 
ing Society rank among the best of young people, Saul Olson, 
Olc Mellum, Elias Brue, Sam Lovik, Halvor Anderson, John 
Melkild, Peter Brandall and others bespeak Norse integrity. 
A. B. Klaeboe, now a gold seeker in Alaska, was once a lead- 
ing business man of this city. Twelve years ago he estab- 
lished the first drug store in Stanwood, which he managed 
with notable success for a number of years. He was born in 
Norway where he graduated from college with distinguished 
scholarship. 



SCANDINAVIANS IN STILLAGUAMISH VALLEY. 

CHAl'TKR X. 

The Stillaguamish valley, spreading out for a consider- 
able distance on both sides of the wandering river, which 
starts in the green-clad hills, looming up in the southeast, 
and leaps gracefully downward to the citj' of Stanwood, where 
it disembogues its waters, is a fertile plain, running through 
the forest for twenty-five miles, adorned with royal farms and 
three happy villas — Florence, Norman and Silvana. Thirty 
years ago this noble stretch was the home of wild beasts, but 
now settled by a jolly populace. Here the Scandinavians found 
a field that hit their fancies — plenty of work and rich soil. 

The first Scandinavian to brave this wilderness was Sivert 
Guligson Brekhus, a native of Voss, Norway, who emigrated 
to America, 1S62, spent eleven years in the east combatting 
for success in divers avenues, and in 1S73 entered the mouth 
of the Stillaguamish river. He proceeded up the stream which 
was choked with angry snags and stubborn logs. No less than 
four jams impeded his progress. Mr. Brekhus has been a 
man of unusual strength, and possessed of a heart that knew 
no fear. On one occasion, in earl}' days, a red savage attacked 
him in Stanwood. Mr. Brekhus was alone which gave his 
heathen aggressor, surrounded by a bloodthirsty horde of his 
race, lust for blood, and, like a devil in flames, seized a 
manageable piece of timber and sought to convert the white 
man to a heap of jellj'. The brave X'ossing approached him 



158 SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 

and the following words burst from his lips, " H vis du inhji 
parsa dig ska eg slaa huvii ini niajin paa dig." The red 
skins understood the depth of his voice, and skulked away. 

Ah ! picture to yourself the hardship ! All the provisions 
had to be canoed from Seattle, and four boats were required 
to reach Mr. Brekhus' ranch. Many struggles did this val- 
orous pioneer pass through. Once he carried a barrel of 
herring on his shoulders over the four jams, and at another 
time a big cook stove. 

Iver Furness. father of John Kurness, the Norman mer- 
chant, has also partaken of the trials and difficulties common 
to pioneer encounters. As early as 1879 ^^ dates his first 
peregrination on Stillaguamish river. Like other adven- 
turers he endured many days of hardship, anxiety and worry. 
Supplementary to the toil for subsistence, the savages cast 
chilly currents through his soul. The Sauk Indians, rav- 
aging in Skagit county, were dreaded like devils. One day 
the report reached the home of Iver I"'urness, while relishing 
a healthy dinner, that the Sauks were paddling up the river 
for a bloody massacre. Mrs. Furness was thrown into a 
trance of fright, rushed for the door with knife in hand to 
take refuge in the woods. Johnny, her son, grabbed 
the fire-lock to protect their home, but, lo ! it was only an 
Indian scare. 

Iver Johnson, the pioneer merchant of Silvana, and the 
popular county commissioner, was born in Opdal, Norway, 
1848. After graduating from the public schools, he took a 



SCANDINAVIANS IN STILLAGUAMISH VALLEY. 159 





1 "i^ 






IVKB Johnson. 





16U SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



course in the higher branches of learning by private tuition, 
and in 1869 sailed for the United States, selecting South 
Dakota for his first abode in the New World. In 1875 he 
took another step westward, locating at Port Gamble, Wash- 
ington, where he worked in saw mills for two years. Return- 
ing to South Dakota, he was married to Martha Haugan, a 
charming young lady, but to his sorrow she withered for the 
grave after four years of matrimonial happiness. He 
recrossed the Rocky Mountain the same year, settling in the 
Stillaguamish valley, worked in logging camps and cleared 
land for sometime, then embarked in general merchandise at 
Silvana, the first store in the Stillaguamish valley. He sold 
out his interests at Silvana to accept a clerkship in D. O. 
Pearson's store in Stanwood, which he abandoned after five 
years of faithful service to assume the position as deputy 
county auditor. In 189S he was elected to the office of county 
commissioner of Snohomish county in which capacity he is 
now working with credit to himself and to his constituents. 
He was married the second time, in 1SS7, to Miss Maria 
Funk, an accomplished lady of Norse extraction. 

Halvor Helvy, an intelligent farmer near Silvana, figures 
among the first pioneers. He was born in Norway, and came 
to Stillaguamish from South Dakota, 1878. 

E. A. Heviy, the popular merchant of l-'lorence, and one of 
the brightest business men on the Sound, was born in C)i)dal, 
Norway, February 28, 1866, came to America, 1878, and the 
same year landed on the Pacific coast. After receiving a com- 



SCANDINAVIANS IN STILLAGUAMISH VALLEY. 161 




102 SCANDINAVIANS ON THK PACIFIC. 



mon school education, he took a course in the state University 
of Washington. For years he was employed as clerk, but in 
1 89 1 became the sole owner of a large mercantile establish- 
ment, which he is conducting with marked ability. Mr. 
Hevly is a congenial man, honest, honorable and energetic. 

John I. Hals, proprietor of Hals' shingle mill, located 
across the river from Florence, is a true type of Xorse man- 
hood. He was born in Norway, came to Stanwood, 1SS2. 
worked four years in a saw mill at Utsalady, and in 1SS9 
bought from Munson, Johnson and Company a shingle mill 
standing one mile east of Stanwood, the first Scandinavian 
shingle mill in Snohomish county. Cedar timber was getting 
scarce and a change of location became advantageous. To 
effect this he sold his mill, bought eightj' acres of laud further 
up the river, and built a new mill, of which Mr. Hals is the 
sole owner. The author does not believe in plowing up the 
field of exaggeration, and so far as the personage in question 
is concerned no occasion affords an opportunitj'. The men 
working for Mr. Hals speak in more elociucnt language than 
my pen. In a word, Mr. Hals is a gentleman, kind, intelli- 
gent and generous. 

Roud Florence are also other Scandinavians who have 
scattered lifiht of melioration. Flowery meadows and royal 
dwellings join to pronounce their industry and rank of 
intelligence. Mr. Myro is an early pioneer and a thrifty Dane, 
Taral Larsen is a prosperous farmer, a native of Norway, who 
has shared the struggles of frontier life, Hd. Hanson, also a 



SCANDINAVIANS IN STILLAGl'A^rl^<TT VAIJ.KY. ]n3 




164 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 




SCANDINAVIANS IN STILLAGUAMISII \ AI.LKY. Ida 




X a 



166 



SCANDINAVIANS uN THE PACIFIC. 



Norwegian by birth, has been a valuable factor in the coni- 
munit}', especially in the promotion of education. .^s we 
proceed up the river we find an unbroken settlement of well- 
to-do Scandinavians, who sought the wilderness to make 
homes. Engebret and Sven Stenson, Sivert and Rasmus 
Knutson and S. Erickson were among the first. L. O. Stubb, 




rRKSTI.IKN • BLt'l-1-. 

The Khoalhoiiitr U behind thr big stump. 

a prominent farmer and a man of ability and influence, has 
given valuable service to the community. He has been one 
of the foremost men to look after the interest of education, 
He was born in Norway, came to Dogfish Ray, Washington, 
iSSo, and the same year settled near Norman. 

Ivcr X. Prcstlicn, the pioneer of Prestlien Hluff, so 



SCANDINAVIANS IN STILLAGUAMISH VALLEY. 167 



named to perpetuate his memory, was born in Norway, and 
settled on his present location, 1885, when the inviting slope 
was a gloomy forest. He has done much for the upbuilding 
of the community, educationally and otherwise. 

John Furness, previously alluded to, an able business 
man, in company with Mr. Engdahl, at Norman, has spared 
no energy for the good of the public schools and the country 
in general. Andrew Estbj-, O. B. Lee, H. Hereim and others 
have also lent willing assistance. 

Cornelius N. Langsjoen, Elias Tangen, Julius Lund, 
Andrew Prestlien, John Ingebretson, and others have con- 
tributed heart and hand to better frontier gloom. Two fine 
Lutheran churches, one at Silvana and the other across the 
river, emphasize the moral and intellectual standard of the 
people. 




SCANDINAVIANS AT CHDARHOME. 

CHAPTER XI. 

Three miles east of Stanwood smiles a beautiful villa, 
which fifteen years ago received the baptism Cedarhome. It 
seems as though Nature in her wisdom long, long ago took 
special pains to prepare a plot for this smoothlj* sloping 
panorama. If it had been whittled out to order for a quiet, 
sober and intelligent people nothing more consistent could 
have been expected. 

In early days a dense forest clothed this spot, and savage 
brutes ruled unrestrained. But some forty years ago the 
irascible agent — fire — resolved to show his power, which he 
did like an unchained demon. He sent his red flames from 
tree to tree, consuming big and small, save some stubborn 
giants, which remained black skeletons in melancholy loneli- 
ness. Hears, cougars, wild-cats, and other inhabitants of the 
forest picked up their feet and with lightning speed sought 
the mountains for refuge. 

The once rich sylva, where evergreen and foliage were 
wont to join in sweet choruses, was now a charcoal desert with 
a few angry monsters frowning in the air, squealing and 
cracking to the breath of every breeze. 

Years elapsed, the sun sent down his gentle beams, the 
clouds unlocked their opulent stores, and the parched earth 
drank her fill, and gave birth to shoots that blossomed into a 
carpet of green. 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



169 




170 SCANDINAVIANS AT CEDAUHOME. 



Ah, all a change! the chilly appearance of yesterday is 
toda}' sunshine. A fresh sylva, besprinkled with flowers, 
smiles to our joy, and birds wheel on happy wings, pouring 
their hearts into dulcet music, and loving zephyrs come to 
woo the tender growth. 

In 15577 Arn Olson, a native of Norway, made a peram- 
bulation of the country lying east of Stanwood with the 
object in view of finding a suitable bit of ground for a home, 
arriving where Cedarhome now smiles he resolved to pitch 
his permanent lot among the green bushes. Almost simul- 
taneously, Martin Larsen, a Norwegian by birth, braved the 
interior, remained one year, then located on the Stanwood 
flat, three miles north of the city. 

It was not until the following year that Cedarhome com- 
menced to echo the presence of white men. Before only a 
faint sound now and then rose to indicate human existence. 
Among the first who anchored their fortunes at this place was 
John Anderson, who left Sweden in 1S69 for Chicago, but was 
soon seized with a whim to see and try other climes. Hoth 
South and West were fields of attraction, and to satisfy his 
romantic nature he took in the whole country. In 1S76 he 
stood in the city of Seattle gazing with wonder at the novel- 
ties about him. A reconuoissance of Salmon Bay hit his 
liking, but shortly after settled on 160 acres of land at Cedar. 
h<mie, then called Burn. 

Mr. John Anderson may be rightly termed the father of 
Cedarhome, and yet, though his flowing beard has silvered 



SCANDINAVIANS ON TllK PACIFIC. 171 



to a halo of snow, he contributes the fall of his life to daily 
duties. 

August Anderson has passed through experiences not 
dissimilar to those of John Anderson. He, too, was born in 
Sweden, came to America in his prime of life, and in iSyg 
cast his lot in the forest. He has shared the ups-and-dowus 
of frontier struggles, always a faithful supporter of the Meth- 
odist church. 

Andrew Gustaf Bergquist made his appearance a few 
months subsequent to the arrival of John and August Ander- 
son. He is a native of Sweden, where he spent his boyhood, 
but like thousands of others sought the New World. Mr. 
Bergquist has been alert to the interests of the community, 
educationally and moralh". For years he has been a member 
of the school board. 

Now, gloomy loneliness! where art thine "blues and 
longings?" No jollier crov.d beneath the blue roof of 
heaven than a bunch of pioneers. Buoyant in spirit, strong 
at arms, the forest fell to their axes. Trails were swamped 
and cabins erected to their comforts. 

Cohorts of eager land-seekers from all climes perambu- 
lated wealthy vales and green-besprinkled knolls, and among 
these was P. O. Norman, who had landed in Seattle, iSSi, 
but spent two years reconnoitering the coast ere he located 
at Cedarhouie. 

Love of work and progress is the spur of a new country. 
As population increased so did the burden of responsibility 



172 



SCANDINAVIANS AT CEDAIMK »ME. 




The ilwrlHiiic to the riuhl im ihc rr»Mcncr of K. <» Yinvr 



SCANDINAVIANS UN THE PACIFIC. 173 

augment. Morality and education could not be neglected. 
Mr. Norman contributed from his fund of experience and 
learning, acquired in his native country, Sweden, and in the 
state of Nebraska where he had served as school trustee and 
county commissioner. 

A craving had manifested for a union of worship, and 
in 1S83 a Methodist congregation was organized, forming 
a circuit with Seattle. Rev. Andrew Farrell was called as 
pastor, who expounded the gospel in the two places on alter- 
nate Sunda\-s. In 1S8S Mr. Norman drew up a petition 
citing for a separation from Seattle and the formation of a 
circuit with Skagit. The petition was granted bj- the bishop, 
and the Rev. O. E. Olander wes secured as clergyman. 

Absolute independence has always been the longing of 
the soul. The congregation was now ripe for a di^•orce from 
Skagit, which was granted, 1890, and a beautiful church was 
built, which stands as a pride to the village. The Methodist 
doctrine has prove relishing, and credit is due to the following 
faithful workers: P. O. Norman, John Anderson, August 
Anderson, Andrew G. Bergquist, John Lovegren, N. G. Carl- 
son, W. M. Anderson, N. O. Ekstran, Magnus Haglund, An- 
drew Olson and John Olson. 

The most promising feature of a church is a health}-, 
wide-awake Young People's Society. Not only as an instru- 
mentalitj' lo invite to share the glory in Heaven, but to culti. 
vate literature and music, to cherish each others peculiarities 
and trend of thoughts. These societies are not exclusivel}' 



17-1 SCANDINAVIANS AT CEDAKHOMt:. 



for the blooms of a few springs, often lingering fall with hoary 
hair wields the guiding staff. The most eloquent and active 
supporter of the Young People's Society at this place is John 
Lovcgren, though he has blushed about twelve summers of 
matrimonial happiness. Of course, others have scattered 
sunbeams, and without their appellation the narrative would 
not be complete. William M. Anderson has filled the presi- 
dential chair, and Misses Minnie Johnson, Annie Anderson, 
Alice Carlson, Annie, Lizzie and Emma Yngve, Minnie 
Bergquist, Mabel Peterson. Annie and Jennie Olson, and Mrs. 
Kdith Dacke have graced the organization with sweet music 
and poetry. Messrs. Andrew Bergquist, A. P. Dacke, Charley 
Edeen, John Carlson and Walter Jensen have contributed 
able assistance. 

The Cedarhome Literary Society, which has been in 
existence about three years, has scattered literary light 
through the community. The organizers and star members 
are: E. C. Xicklason, J. H. Swanson, Thomas Munson, J. C. 
Jensen, Charley and Axel Ek, Eric, Mannie and Eddie 
Lindstrom, Iver and Simon Olson, Jacob and Andrew Settre, 
Andrew Olson, Kettle Levison, Lewis Sandstrom, Eddie, Eli 
and Ove Eliason, and Andrew Anderson. The willing parti- 
cipants among the ladies arc: Misses Minnie Xicklason, Mary 
Jensen, Hilma and Hulda Ek, and Josie Settre. 

No pioneer has endured more hardship th:ui Mathias 
Munson, a native of Xorway. I'^or thirty-five years he dashed 
on the merciless waves from port to port, finallj* making his 



SCANDINAVIANS UN THE rAGlFlC. 175 

















G. NlCKLASON. 





176 SCANDINAVIANS AT CEDAKHOME. 

home in the wilderness of Washington. Six-and-four scores of 
years rested on his shoulders at his death, one year ago, yet 
strong and lively. He was an example of courage and endur- 
ance, and is said to have saved many lives during his sea- 
faring years. 

Ole Jensen, born and educated in Denmark, bid farewell 
to his mother country seventeen years ago, landed in Seattle 
and shortly after settled at Cedarhome. "To do and dare" 
was his motto; the huge forest fell, and a nice home smiles to 
his comfort. John Olson also arrived at Cedarhome about 
seventeen years ago. He is a native of Sweden and has 
devoted most of his time to farming, being a prominent mem- 
ber of the Methodist church. 

Cedarhome is no longer a nucleus of yearning bachelors, 
but a thriftj' town surrounded by gardens and meadows. 
Three religious denominations are strongly represented, the 
Methodists, previouslj- mentioned, the Baptists and the 
Lutherans. 

G. Nicklason, a pioneer of the Skagit valley and a pop- 
ular merchant of Cedarhome, was born in Sweden, but left his 
native countrj' at the twilight of inauhood. After filling 
sundry vocations of hardship in the east, his attention was 
drawn to the Pacific, settling in the Skagit vallej', 1S76, where 
he labored hard clearing land and farming. A beautiful farm 
in that locality bespeaks his industry. In 1S90 he moved to 
Cedarhome to engage in general merchandise — business of his 
liking — in which he has proved himself a master. The fertile 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 177 

forest awakened acute calculation in his mind, and in conipanj'^ 
with Carl O. Walters started a lumber factory capable of 
turning out both lumber and shingle. Mr. Nicklason is a 
man of energy and ability, honest and strictly attentive to 
business. 

Carl O. Walters, G. Nicklason's partner in lumber man- 
ufacturing, was born in Gottland, Sweden, May 27, 1855, 
where he received his education, graduated from the public 
schools at the age of fifteen. For three years he served in 
the nav}^ of Sweden, spent two 3'ears traveling in his native 
countr}' for the purpose of studying the natural resources and 
the varied conditions. The sea was a pleasing attraction to 
him; visited all the countries of Europe, and at the age of 
twenty-two embarked a ship for the New World, sailed for 
sometime on the Atlantic coast, rounded Cape Horn, and 
landed in the Golden Gate, 1877. He dashed on the waves up 
the coast as far as British Columbia. After eight years of 
navigation he stept ashore, engaged in carpentry, worked in 
Seattle and British Columbia, most of the time as contractor. 
In the latter place he spent considerable time prospecting for 
coal, employed by the Vancouver Coal Co. Twelve years ago 
he located at Cedarhome, turned his attention to farming 
served as deputy count}' assessor, and gradually drifted into 
lumber and shingle business, an occupation congenial to 
mechanical ingenuity, which is Mr. Walters' forte, being born 
with mechanical aptitude as well as with social and conversa- 
tional endowments. 



178 SCANDINAVIANS AT CEDAKHo.ME. 




SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 179 

L. G. Hanson, the present deputj- county assessor, was 
born in Skone, Sweden, 1S55, emigrated to America in earlj' 
manhood, 18S2. After some years of ups-and-downs in the 
south, he planted his fortune at Cedarhome, nine years ago, 
and has ever since taken an active part in public improve- 
ments. He has been a stanch supporter of the public schools 
and an advocate for good roads. For years he has served as 
school director and road supervisor, and in 1899 ^^ ^^"^^ ^P" 
pointed deputy county assessor. 

E. O. Yngve, a man of affluence and influence in his 
native country, Sweden, crossed the salt}' billows for America 
ten years ago. He has been alert to the interest of his adopted 
country, and always glad to usher the welfare of his people to 

the front. 

Frank A. Peterson is likewise a man cut out for frontier 
life where energy and strong arms are required. He is a 
native of Sweden, but came to South Dakota in his early days, 
stayed there for some ^-ears, and in 1886 landed in Seattle, and 
two years later joined his countrymen at Cedarhome. He has 
been awaketo the interest of the public schools and the wel- 
fare of the community in general; for years he has been a 
member of the school board. His brother John is also a good 
citizen. 

John Ek, too, belongs to the category of frontier soldiers 
who delight in converting the forest into fields of gold and 
smiling gardens. He was born in Sweden and came to Cedar- 
home, 1890. Round the village live a number of good citizens 



180 SCANDINAVIANS AT CEDAKHUMK. 




SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



181 



and industrious farmers; viz., Oluf Johnson, Sivert Wold, 
Rasmus Settre, K. K. Erdahl, N. O. Lindstrom, P. G. Johnson, 
Olof Anderson, Levi Levison, Ole Johnson, Robert Johnson, 
P. L. Anderson, Ole Husby, Erik Johnson, P. M. Arentzen, 
C. P. Hemmingsen, A. Evenson, B. Evenson, and others. 
Aaron Larson, a native of Sweden, who resides on a pleasant 
ranch about three miles east of Cedarhorae, is a highl\- accom- 
plished musician. His daughter Cora is likewise displaying 
extraordinary talents for divine strains. 






i'^ 



'^^■.v 




1»-^.^ 



SCANDINAVIANS IN SKAGIT VALLEY 

CHAPTER XII. 

Sweetest and loveliest of flower}' vales, 
Where plenty teems and joy hails, 
Where waving fields of golden grain 
Merrilv smile in sun and rain. 




MOMI.INIl llorMC 

ownrti by Kniit II. op<UI. Ihr liml Scmniliiiavlin llotrl in Ihr SkiK^t Valley. 

The Skagit valley is a stretch of inexhaustible fertility, 
commencing at the month of the river and running north- 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 183 



ward for scores of miles, and spreads out, east and west, into 
a plain beautifully embellished with proud farms, and niostl}- 
populated with Scandinavians. Six miles up the river rests 
the town of Fir, a bustling village, surrounded by a rich 
farming community. Ole J. Borseth is the leading business 
man of the town, who located here, 18S3, and in 1891 engaged 
in general merchandise. He is a native of Norway, where he 
was bred and educated. 

Knuk H. Opdal, also born in Norway, arrived in 1S88, 
and shortl}' afterward embarked in hotel business. He and 
his wife are representatives of Norse simplicity and integrity, 
imbued with love for their native country, and patriotic and 
loyal to the stars and stripes. 

J. F. Anderson was one of the first settlers. He was born 
in Sweden, left his native land during the early summer of 
maturity, and located in the state of Iowa. In 1874 he landed 
in Port Townsend on Prince Alfred, and immediately pro- 
ceeded to the Skagit valley, settling on North Fork. After a 
year of hard work he moved with his family to Seattle in 
order to give his children the advantages of good schooling. 
At the close of six years they returned to the Skagit, locating 
on South F'ork, where Fir now stands. In 1S83 a flood rushed 
over the country, swept along everything save some stubborn 
buildings, the crop was destroj-ed, and havoc spread in all 
directions. " Never give in," says the sage, which is appli- 
cable to Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Anderson. " Onward" was their 
motto, and two beautiful homes shine to their honest efforts — 



184 



SCANDINAVIANS IN SKAGIT VALLEY 




J I- \NI'> KS'>>. 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 185 

one at Seattle and one at Fir. Their children, who are now 
combating with the turmoils of the world, are well educated 
and highly respected. Jennie is married and lives in Seattle; 
Axel and Eric are connected with the Poison and Wilson 
Hardware Co., established in Seattle and La Conner ; Victor 
is married to an esteemed lady, Aliss Marie Paulson, and 
runs the farm ; Minnie is postmistress at Fir and a teacher 
of music, Howard sleeps in the grave, and Otto stays home. 

Andrew N. Crogstad, a leading citizen, a man of honor 
and intelligence, has shared the difficulties of the frontier. 
He v.-as born in Trondhjem, Norway, 1852, received a good 
schooling and in February, 1S72, left his fatherland for Dunn 
county, Wisconsin, and five j^ears later disembarked in the 
Skagit valley. He turned his attention to logging and farm- 
ing. A beautiful farm, surrounded by a wealthy orchard, 
stands as a pride to his energy. He has seen days of roman- 
tic awfulness, once hazardous, but now pleasing reminiscences. 
The flood has always been a dread, and many frights has it 
caused. One Fourth of July Mr. Crogstad went to Fir to 
celebrate the independence of his adopted country. The 
morning was bright and prognostic of a pleasant time. Re- 
turning home during gray twilight, a seething, rolling sound 
floated down on the breeze, and ere they realized the cause, 
water crept up to their feet. The ladies were frightened out 
of their wits and took to screaming, which seems to be their 
only alternative in time of danger. Mr. Crogstad and his 



1.S6 



SCANDINAVIANS IN SKACJIT VALLEY. 




SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



187 




188 SCANDINAVIANS IN SKAGIT VALLEY. 

companion understood the predicament, slung the ladies on 
their backs and pranced home, thus avoiding a disastrous 
outcome. 

In 1887 he was married to an estimable lad}', Miss Wil- 
helmina Augusta Jensen, born in Scleswig, Holstein, 1863, of 
Danish parentage, and came to America, 1S75. They have 
five children, four girls and one boy; Alvina, Emma, Lottie, 
Clara and Maurice. 

One not accustomed to pioneer life in the forest can 
hardly conceive its man}' romantic features. To live on the 
bank of a big river, rolling and moaning in tireless monotony, 
and huge trees praying and howling to the wroth of the wind, 
and frisk}' brutes gamboling in wild frolics, and Indians 
skulking in stealthy moods, is something awe-inspiring. 

On a jolly morning, Charles Mann, the pioneer merchant 
of Fir, reconnoitered in the woods behind his store, add to his 
awe, stumbled "into a hideous infernal, which was afterwards 
discovered to be an Indian cemetery. Ah, terror! hundreds 
of Indians were hanging in the trees, some nude skeletons, 
some with the hearts torn out of their mutilated frames; owls 
and crows were sailing on evil wings among the ghastly dead, 
and horror seemed to reign in every bush. This finding 
startled the whole town, and into the woods rushed young and 
old; flames sprang into the air and swept through the forest, 
and the dead Indians dropped from a hanging hell into a 
burning one. 

The flood of 1887 spread consternation throughout the 



bCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 189 

community. The water leaped down from the mountains in 
savage furj- and scattered the dykes to the briny billows, busy 
hugging the beach below. Houses set sailing down the valley 
in tipsy joltings, and logs went chasing each other in mad 
bewilderment for the sea. The deluge broke into Alann's 
store and rose to the depth of three feet. Mr. Mann was alone 
in the store, and to drive awaj- loneliness grabbed the fish line 
and commenced angling, caught two mountain trouts by the 
counter. During the same flood Mrs. Mann was sitting in 
the Fir Hotel chatting with some friends, and before they 
were aware of the enormit}- of the water they went sailing on 
their chairs around the room. 

In and around Fir live a number of Scandinavians who 
have witnessed frontier encounters, but their earlj' struggles 
have become pleasing revels for a fanciful imagination, as the 
late 3'ears have crowned their efforts with success. Olof 
Poison, a son of Sweden, and at present mayor of La Conner, 
was along with the first brigade of pioneers that scattered 
themselves in the valle}'. Ole Lonke, born in Norway, and a 
prosperous farmer, about a mile from Fir, located here over 
twenty years ago. Ole Johnson, also a native of Norwaj', has 
resided here over two decades, and Peter Olson dates his 
arrival still further back. 

Among the more recent settlers who have proved valu- 
able exponents are: John Hanson, August Johnson, Even 
Handstad, John Kragnes, Ole Kvande, Knut Lange, Sivert 



190 SCANDINAVIANS IN SKAGIT VALLEY. 

Sande, Ole Olson, Lars Engen, G. O. liranstad, Lars and 
Nils Danielson and Elik Johnson. 

Proceeding up the river we find many Scandinavian 
pioneers who rank among the most prominent citizens; viz., 
Peter Egtvet, Ole N. Lee, Frank Tollefson and Magnus 
Anderson. At Skagit City, N. Erickson, Alfred, Edwin and 
Herman Johnson are representative farmers who have spared 
no time for the upbuilding of the countr}-. Rev. John Johnson, 
presiding elder of the Swedish Methodist church, who resides 
at this place, is a noted man, being a gifted rhetorician and 
an able pulpit orator. 

To the east of this happ^- village spreads out a fertile 
plain which sweeps up into a proud elevation, called Pleasant 
Ridge, the home of the old pioneer, Charles John Chillierg, and 
two of his sons, Isaac and James. Here we find also a num- 
ber of other Scandinavians ulio have shared the l)urden of 
early struggles. 

Four miles up the river from Skagit City stands the jolly 
city of Mt. X'ernon, which has within its boundary many 
prominent men from the shores of Norway and Sweden. The 
two leading merchants of the city are Norwegians — Louis Foss 
ami X. J. Moldstad. 

Louis Foss is well known throughout the Pacific country, 
being the first Scandinavian state senator in Washington. He 
was born in Norway, 1S49, received a liberal education, grad- 
tiated from college at nineteen, and shortly after emigrated to 
America, locating in Wisconsin. He worked four years as 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 191 




192 SCANDINAVIANS IN SKAGIT VALLEY. 

scaler of logs on Chippewa river; went to the Dakota Black 
Hills during the excitement of 1875, where he remained two 
years working in the mines. From whence he went to Zum- 
brota, Minnesota, to assume the management of a large merchan- 
dise store, in which capacitj* he labored faithfully for five years. 
His name had acquired a favorable clang among the people and 
the city of Fosston was christened to his honor. In 18S7 
he disposed of his interests in Minnesota and moved to 
Tacoma, Washington, where he engaged in real estate, and 
entered mercantile business at Mt. \'ernon and Buckley. Five 
years later he was elected state senator from Pierce county, 
and served his state with honor for four years. At the expira- 
tion of his senatorship he removed with his family to Mt. 
Vernon, where he now resides, and owns a big mercantile 
establishment, The Fair. He has also a large store of similar 
kind in Anacortes which his eldest son is managing. Mr. 
Foss is not only a man of business aptitude, but also a man of 
character, fidelit}' and honor. 

N. J. Moldstad merits the appellation of "progressive 
business man." He was born in N'cslre Toten, Norwaj', 
April I, 1863, where he obtained his early education. July 2, 
1876, he sailed for America, settling at De Forest, Wisconsin, 
and shortly after entered his brother's dry goods store. His 
next move was to Lanesborough, Minnesota, where he secured 
a clerkship with a big mercantile firm, afterwards as- 
sumed a similar vocation in Minneapolis. From whence 
he turned his attentitm to North Dakota, embarking in store 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



193 




194 SCANDINAVIANS IN SKAUIT VALLEY. 



and banking business for himself. The Paci6c had become a 
fascinating field, sold out, and crossed the Rocky, locating in 
Tacoma, where he established a shoe store. Another journey 
seemed to emphasize business progress, disposed of his estab- 
lishment in Tacoma and engaged in dry goods and clothing in 
Mt. Vernon. The last years he has also given due considera- 
tion to the Alaska gold fields, being interested in several 
claims around Dawson. In 1S93 he took a trip to Europe, 
traveled in England. France, Germany and the Scandinavian 
countries. In 189S he was married to an estimable lad}' in 
Mt. Vernon, and spent his honej-moon journej-ing in Califor- 
nia, the Southern states and New York, visited Washington 
and shook hands with President McKinley. On returning 
took in Chicago and other large cities. Mr. Moldstad is a 
republican in politics and has been delegate to county and 
state conventions, but has scoffed at the idea of seeking any 
office. He is like Mr. Louis Foss, of the same citj^ in being 
a true gentleman, respected and respectable. 




SCANDINAVIANS IN BELLINGHAM BAY. 

CHAPTER XUI. 

It is but few places where nature has been so kind and 
lavishing with her store of grandeur as in Bellingham Bay. 
Sweet in music, the happy ripples dance to kiss the pebbled 
borders of the twin cities — New Whatcom and Fairhaven. 
Above the din of their tumults stands the white-haired Mt. 
Baker with a snowy hood drawn down his broad shoulders, 
throwing glimpses of awe over a gay landscape. About four 
miles from these sister cities smiles Lake Whatcom, where 
living gondolas ride on its glassy bosom from shore to shore. 

In early days Scandinavians gave heed to this happy land 
of verdure and songs. About forty 3'ears ago the}^ visited 
the bay and reconnitered the country. Eversou, a Norwegian 
by birth, was among the first pioneers. The last ten years a 
number of Norwegians, Swedes and Danes have located in 
both New Whatcom and Fairhaven, and rank among the 
leading business men of the two cities. 

O. B. Barba, a prominent lawyer of New Whatcom, born 
in Norwa}-, but raised and educated in Wisconsin, came here, 
1890, and has steadily invited the confidence of his country- 
men and the people in general. 

Ole Oien has the honor of being the first Scandinavian 
elected to county office in Whatcom county. He was born in 
Toten, Norway, came to Bellingham Bay several years ago, 
and at the last election was chosen to the office of county 



196 SCANDINAVIANS IN BELLINCillAM HAY. 



clerk. He is a man of energy' and intelligence, and may 
rise to higher trust and honor in the gift of the people. 




SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 197 

Olaf Udness and Charley Erholm, the former born in 
Norway and the latter in Finland, emigrated here, 1889. 
They are proprietors of the Pacific Steam Laundr}^, and 
prominent in business and social circles. 

Thomas Dahlquist, a native of Sweden, and one of the 
leading grocers in New Whatcom, landed in Bellingham Bay, 
1889, and has gained the esteem of all the people. His wife 
was born in Norway and is regarded as the foremost Scandi- 
navian lady in the cit}\ 

John Larsen, owner of the only first-class music store in 
Bellingham Bay, is an able business man. His wife is an 
influential member of the Norwegian Synod church. 

A. G. Wickman, born in Sweden, cast his eye for the 
first time over Bellingham Bay, August 2, 1SS9. He is a 
man of keen intellect and sound judgment, and possesses the 
air of a true gentleman. He is a merchant tailor and enjoys 
a lucrative business. 

P. Osberg and George Martinsen are well-known con- 
tractors, the firm being Osberg and Martinsen. Aly pen 
would not be true to these gentlemen without the following 
assertion : " Osberg and Martinsen's ingenious work has 
commanded technical honor to the Scandinavians." 

P. Jacobsen, a son of Denmark, is likewise a man of 
mechanical aptitude. He is a skillful blacksmith and a true 
gentleman. 

In Fairhaven we find many popular Scandinavians, men 
who are held in high esteem by the people. Rev. T. J. Aloen 



198 SCANDINAVIANS IN BELLINCJHAM BAY. 



is one who enjoys the respect and love of the communitj'. 
He was born in Talgen, Norway, where he received his earlj' 
education. In 1879 he graduated from Haniar Serainariuni, 
among the highest in scholarship, and two years later emi- 
grated to America, where he secured a position as teacher of 
religion. His ambition was to be a minister of the gospel, 
and in 1SS9 entered Augsburg Seminarium, spent one year in 
the academic department, then stept into the theological col- 




HlSllIM. IN nKI.l.IM.IIAM Ba\ 



lege and graduated with honor after three years of diligent 
study. He came to New Whatcom seven years ago as pas- 
tor of the United Lutheran church, and has met with suc- 
cess in his responsible vocation. 

Mrs. T. J. Moen, a lady of intelligence and fine training, 
was born in Rollag, Numedal, Norwaj-, and came to America 
while a lass of six years. At the age of nineteen she was 
united in holy matrimou}' to Rev. T. J. Moen. She is an 
earnest worker in the Sunday school, likewise attentive to her 
fireside duties. 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 199 

J. M. Scarseth and Chris. Grue, proprietors of the Wis- 
consin Grocer}', rank as the foremost merchants of Fairhaven. 
Scarseth was born in Wisconsin of Norwegian parents and 
Grue in Norway. They came to Bellingham Bay, 1S89. 

Henry Christian Kngeberg is a Dane by birth, a fine 
scholar and a careful druggist. He is a graduate of the 
University of Copenhagen and came to Fairhaven ten years 
ago. 

B. W. Benson, a real estate dealer, is a man of true Norse 
type, social, honest and intelligent. He was born in Norwaj', 
and came to Bellingham Bay, 1S89. 

A. L. Stenvig, the only merchant tailor in Fairhaven, 
traces his birthplace to Norway. He came to this city ten 
years ago, worked for others at first, but now ov.-ns a paying 
establishment. 

Gust. Linden, a native of Sweden, O. M. C. Henning and 
Chris. Keel, born in Norway, have been in Fairhaven since 
1890, and have worked themselves up from meager circum- 
stances to affluence and honor. The}- are representatives of 
the industrial classes, possessed of mechanical ingenuity and 
prominent members of the Lutheran church. 

Mrs. Henning, wife of O. M. C. Henning, is a woman of 
learning and elevated character, being an energetic worker in 
the United Lutheran church. Her oldest daughter, Mrs. 
Richard, is a popular teacher in the city schools of Fairhaven. 



SCATTERED SCANDINAVIAN COMMUNITIES, 
POULSBO AND OTHER PLACES. 



ClI M'TKR \I\-. 



AT I'on.^lto liAY- 



The rippling bells are ringing, 
The driiid woods are singing, 
And mellow throats hang on the air 
Pouring their hearts into music rare. 

Ever ringing. 

Ever singing. 

At Poulsbo Bay. 

Nature's soul in rapture smiling, 
Hillocks green the sunbeams climbing; 
When morning bursts on pearl-set wing, 
The vocal harps of the forest sing, 

Sweet freedom's air. 

In sunshine fair, 

At Poulsbo Hay. 

Jingle, jingle, ever chiming, 
Sea and land together rhj'ming. 
Sweet poets untaught singinu'. 
Nature's God to me is ringing. 

Rapture chiming. 

Grandeur smiling, 

.\t Poulsbo Bav. 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 201 



On a sunny slope slowly rising from the merry sheet of 
golden water, stands the town of Poulsbo, in Kitsap count}-, 
about twent\--five miles northwest from Seattle. A smiling 
tongue of the Sound is rippling into the land, and here and 
there a green nose is pushing itself into the brine as tr5'ing to 
contest with the elements of the deep. Sweet melodies spring 
from the laughing ripples, and sail on the wings of lazy 
zephyrs to cheer the ears of the village. This musical bay is 
a natural abode for Scandinavians who are wont to the songs of 
happy fjords. As earl 3- as 1S75, Ole Stubb stranded his skiff 
on the shore of this vocal stretch for permanent nestling. He 
was born in Norwa}-, and has witnessed days of divers 
struggles, interlaced with days of sunshine. 

A year later Fred Landstone pinned his lot to a piece of 
land about ten miles east of Poulsbo, and in 18S3 Jorgen Eliason 
was attracted to the bay, and has ever since been instrumental 
in shaping the afifairs of the community. He is a native of 
Norway, landed in Michigan, 1S70, and has proved himself a 
man of honor and intellectual capacity, a true representative 
of Norse simplicity and manhood. I. B. Moe arrived simul- 
taneously and has been a potent factor in a multitude of 
enterprises. 

Torge Jensen, a prominent citizen of Poulsbo, a man of 
integrity and intelligence, was a member of the earlj'^ brigade 
of pioneers. He was born in Norway and came to Poulsbo 
from South Dakota. He has been one of the foremost men to 
look after the interest of the place, educationally and otherwise. 



202 



SCANDINAVIANS IN l'< >l|.si{(>. 




SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 203 

Nils Olson, also of Xorse birth, merits a footing among 
the first settlers and deserves the encomium due a man of 
honesty and noble aims. 

Among the business men of Poulsbo, Adolph Hostmark 
carries the honor of being the first merchant. He erected a 
store fifteen N-ears ago, and conducted a general merchandise 
establishment until his death. Some j'ears subsequent Lars 
Christensen engaged in mercantile business and his career 
has been an uninterrupted success, characteristic of industry 
and uprightness. 

Lars Christensen was born in Thisted, Denmark, 1S44, 
received a common school education, spent j-ears on a large 
plantation as foreman and assistant manager. In 1872 he 
emigrated to America, selecting Marquette, Michigan, as his 
favorable place for dwelling. He worked on the docks and 
at other manual labor until 1875, when he migrated to Brook- 
ings county, South Dakota, where he engaged in farming. After 
twelve years of varied experiences on the Dakota prairies he 
turned his attention to the Pacific, arriving in Poulsbo, 1S87, 
where he embarked in clearing land and ranching. A beautiful 
place in the heart of the smiling villa bespeaks his pluck and 
industry. In 1S93 he launched into general merchandise, 
which he later converted into a dr\- goods store. Mr. Chris- 
tensen has always been a prominent member of the Lutheran 
church and a true republican in politics, and in every walk of 
life a loyal citizen, honest, intelligent and respected. He was 
married to an estimable lady in Denmark. The}' have one 



201 



SCANDINAVIANS IN I'OULSBO. 




SCANDINAVIANS ON THE PACIFIC. 



205 



son, C. P. Christenseu, who was boru in Denmark, 1868, and 
came to America with his parents. He has inherited the 
traits of a noble father and mother and ranks among the best 
of men, endowed with a fine intellect and moral integrity. 

Ponlsbo has achieved what no other community on the 
coast has ventured to do. While the villa was in its early 
embryo a knot of pioneers organized and incorporated the 




M1.A.M1.K Advance 



Poulsbo Wharf and Storage Company, and built a substantial 
dock and warehouse, accessible b}- any steamer. 

The first steamer that cleaved the bosom of the deep be- 
tween Poulsbo and Seattle was the Quickstep, owned by John 
J. Hansen, who later built Hattie Hansen. But to burst the 
chains of monopolized transportation, and to usher pecuniar^' 



20b SCANDINAVIAN'S IN POULSBO. 



relief to the toiling fanners, a sprinkling of valorous hearts, 
headed bj- Thomas Hegdahl and Xils Olson, perfected the 
organization of the Poulsbo-Colbj' Transportation Company, 
and built the beautiful steamer — Advance — which plies daily 
between Poulsbo and Seattle. 

The following are officers of the Poulsbo-Colb\- Trans- 
portation Company; J. A. McPherson, President; Peter 
Erlandson, \'ice-president ; C. P. Christensen, Secretary ; 
L. Christensen, Treasurer; J. W. Russell, Manager. 

Poulsbo has had its religious upheavals but aside from 
these fanatical revolutions it has scattered seeds of Christian 
principles. A fine Lutheran church tops a pleasant hillock as 
evidence of this statement. Rev. I. Tollefsen was summoned to 
the bay as the first gospel expounder who unveiled the gems 
of the Old Book according to Augsburgian theolog}-. Into 
his footsteps dropped Rev. H. Langeland who is yet a beloved 
representative of the Supreme Being in the charming town of 
Poulsbo. Many of the trance reports which have taken speedy 
wings for other climes have not been absolutely tru*.-. In 
justice to Rev. H. Langeland my pen cannot evade the decla- 
ration that he is a gentleman and a true Christian. 

The Orphans' Home, organized eight years ago, looms 
magnificently on a nicely trimmed knoll, overlooking a wizard 
landscape. Rev. Tollefsen is the father of the institution, but 
the people in general have given to it their unreserved support. 

During recent years, Poulsbo has made quick strides 
forward, no less than four stores and two hotels combine to 



SCANDINAVIANS ON THE rAClFlC. 



207 



signalize its progress. Langeland and Eliason are thrift}' 
grocers; Alf Hostmark conducts an establishment of similar 
nature; Thos. Hegdahl is a prosperous furniture dealer and 
L. Christensen a dry goods merchant. The farmers around 
Poulsbo have tendered read}- hands to any project tending to 
advance the interest of their villa. Steiner Thoreson and T. Paul- 
son have been active exponents in the divers avenues of mel- 




ioration, and A. V. Paulson, an ex-teacher of the public schools, 
has never been lagging when a new enterprise was to be 
rooted. Ole Thompson, A Talakson, A. O. Hagan, Chris. 
Williams and Ole Nelson figure among the early settlers. 
They are thrifty farmers and have contributed their time and 
energy for the good of the community. Nils Atleson, though 
recent colonist, has shared the burden of pushing the place to 



i 



208 SCATTERED SCANDINAVIAN COMMTNITIES. 

the front. He is the leader of the United Lutheran church, 
and a man of intelligence and pluck. K. G. Steen and others 
have also proved worthy factors where skill and energy shine 
pre-eminently. 

The country surrounding Poulsbo is mostly* peopled with 
Scandinavians. Pearson, across the bay, is a thriving com- 
munity, principally settled with intelligent Swedes, who have 
spared no time to make their terra firma attractive. 

Breidablik, the home of the Paulson family, is an inviting 
place. As we recede further from Poulsbo we come to Seabold 
where many Scandinavians breathe happiness and prosperity. 
A short distance from this village lives C. Sanders, who was 
born in Sweden and came to Port Madison thirty-five j'ears ago. 
There are also other old settlers as A. M. Anderson and Chas. 
Olson. Across a pleasant elevation of land slowly falling to 
the sea we find the flower-besprinkled Rollingbay, where some 
early pioneers contend happily with the wile billows of the 
world. Martin Sunnes, Dona Falk, Andrew Sornsen, Nils 
Peterson, Peter liye, T. Siverson, Mrs. Hanna Johnson and C. 
Johnson were the first adventurers. 

There are other scattered Scandinavian settlements, but 
let it suffice, for this volume, by taking a step to Shelton, 
Mason county. Here we find the well-known Professor G. B. 
Gunderson and other prominent Scandinavians. Prof. Gun- 
derson has .served the people of his county as superintendent 
of the public schools and as representative in the legislation^ 
with marked ability and success. 



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